The Evolution of Innovation in Long-Term Care: Including Practitioners in the Process

Post-acute and long-term care isn’t generally known as the area of health marked by innovation. However, while our sector may be behind in race, we are catching up fast — partly due to challenges COVID-19 pandemic. “When motivated make change, anything is possible,” said Liz Jensen, MSN, RN, RN-BC, clinical director Direct Supply Innovation & Technology Center, chair AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute Long-Term Care Medicine’s Innovations Platform Advisory Committee (IPAC). Practitioners don’t necessarily see themselves innovators, Ms. Jensen said, but they are. “As clinicians, natural problem solvers, which a core characteristic an innovator. But know where stand process innovation.” This because clinicians often at end process, absorbing innovations that “have been designed us,” she said. “We need find ways get involved all stages so can contribute ideas earlier development.” “The word ‘innovation’ has used lot,” Jensen. “A few years back, saw ‘director innovation’ positions popping care.” What these involved, was identifying such hot new technology would good organization embrace. stressed recent years, there’s shift from “excitement sexiness” innovation reality it. “What does actually mean? How will it better or more efficient? And how happen?” Identifying “real” could real difference involving practitioners development were impetus IPAC. “I think this what working toward actual, pragmatic On-The-Go podcast App address evolving needs members,” want open opportunities people who early ideation stage.” part Society’s Shark Tank program about. Based on popular television show individuals present their business models panel successful entrepreneurs, competition unique opportunity innovators share with members. leadership works winners test, refine, advance ideas. program, started 2017, helped spearhead culture its safe places try things well stages,” “AMDA members have willingness desire drive change. It’s important give them chance experience participate Not surprisingly, pandemic driven creativity resulted numerous innovations. “We’ve seen processes, practice, products/technology science, like vaccines testing, [personal protective equipment], physical plant creating air exchanges, improving quality, surveillance systems. With many these, building become ‘care team.’ These kinds added layer protection infection prevention risk mitigation,” “It’s great some come forward space. It shows possible when focused one problem.” exposed “a lot gaps larger public us about long time haven’t able change.” Yet possible. For instance, blanket waivers Centers Medicare Medicaid Services happen quickly, opening use telemedicine services. hope lesson doesn’t lost policy makers others,” Moving forward, essential keep alive. intentional We encourage innovative thinking. put calendar, post board, identify ones work on, those through,” adding, imbed into existing processes [Quality Assurance Performance Improvement]. They complex elaborate. simple smarter way solve There place theater, it’s not swept away She offered, “There theater getting excited idea, thing sparks your imagination; impractical inspire practical ones.” stressed, outcomes achieve. Does demonstrably achieve valuable outcome? reduce costs system whole? Or add revenue stream? filters look through. Then comes evidence part.” advances research help learning time. “Evidence critical considering impacts safety person. balance tolerance reach outcome. dollars tight there urgent need, consider if worth moving limited evidence.” milestones frames plan If can’t met, revise realistic achievements. prepared determine move on. shouldn’t confused failure, stressed. idea repurposed something doable set aside temporarily. Many extremely compelling stories vision, passion powerful. “However, remain objective enough admit evidence, finances, other issues even prohibitive. You aren’t emotionally attached destroys initiative forward,” problem.— RN-BC different types In care, person-centered both necessary. “These aging perhaps disability. support ability independent As example, “One engineers hydraulic seat lift. you start up, gives bit lift.” elegant, dignified, “give big difference.” Workforce also needed care. “During pandemic, providers special areas change clothes, shower, etc., prevent transmission virus staff feel confident going home family coming work.” workforce creative empower scheduling tools looking through eyes caregivers workers. end, “Innovation alive found operate within regulatory, financial, constraints. Seeing interprofessional collaboration occurred during fostered incredible thinking advances. continue advocate changes funding, infrastructure, investments allow senior Senior contributing writer Joanne Kaldy freelance Harrisburg, PA, communications consultant organizations.