I am sharing article #2 for the Research Challenge. According to the levels of evidence, the article is only a level VII, but a publication by professional and advanced degree nurses is worth reading.
Article: "Unlocking the Power of Innovation"
This article is a part of series of publications on "Nursing and Technology: Innovation and Implementation" in the American Nurses Association's Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.
The article defines innovation and analyzes its components in relation to nursing. The content of the article is necessary to understand the dynamic nature of innovation in order to optimize the process. The authors claim that there are 3 components necessary for innovation to be successful:
1. person(s) creative process
2. the product of creativity: innovative solution
3. environment, or context, in which the innovative idea is developed and implemented
If one of these 3 components fails, the innovative process cannot be completed. The authors provide examples from research to demonstrate how each of these components can be preserved in bedside nursing.
The other major part of the article is an analysis of 2 main methods for building a basis for innovation in nursing settings:
1. IDEO: This method focuses on the following steps: "observation, storytelling, synthesis, brainstorming, rapid prototyping, and field testing." This method produced the Nurse Knowledge Exchange, an innovative solution to sharing information at shift change.
2. Transforming Care at the Bedside: In this method, "nurses identify the issue, suggest multiple possible solutions (the more the better), and determine which of the ideas to test." Benefits to TCAB include efficiency in adapting the innovative processes, and it's based on feedback directly from nurses.
The article mentions another great facilitator of innovation in health care: The Innovation Learning Network, which aims to "...ignite the transfer of ideas, and provide opportunities for inter-organizational collaboration." The numerous examples of the successes approaches to innovation in nursing (such as the ones listed above) are an excellent way to deepen your grasp and view of innovation.
Ultimately, the examples from the leaders in innovative health care solutions serve to lead you to the authors' final conclusion:
"Unlocking the power of innovation requires the engagement of clinicians at the bedside."
I highly recommend reading this article and the others published by the ANA to engage the innovative world of nursing!
Blakeney, B., Carleton, P., McCarthy, C., Coakley, E., (May 31, 2009) "Unlocking the Power of Innovation" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 14, No. 2, Manuscript 1.DOI:10.3912/OJIN.Vol14No02Man01
