Characteristics of a successful collaboration in evaluation of a health care innovation: lessons learned from GPS locator technology for dementia clients

Abstract:

Becoming lost or its risk is a problem for dementia clients, their families and caregivers. The purpose of the paper is to describe, analyze and share lessons from a pilot project to use global positioning system devices to manage the risk of becoming lost and, at the same time, maintaining client autonomy. The study informs technology implementation approaches and strategies for innovative health technologies. The project used a prospective mixed-methods approach including a pre and post paper-based questionnaire, focus groups and individual interviews. Technology uptake was examined post knowledge transfer using the After Action Review method, which has shown utility in military and health care settings. Project successes and weaknesses are identified to inform future approaches of innovative health technology pilot projects. Lessons from the pilot emphasize the need for innovators to understand the multifaceted context they are entering, enlist the support of leaders, dedicate a project lead, support autonomous decision making and problem solving, meet regularly to monitor progress and address issues and support peer-to-peer collaboration.

Keywords::

• evaluation
• innovation
• GPS
• technology
• adoption

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education and Alberta Health Services in 2013–2015. We thank the following individuals who assisted with data collection and data entry: Kristen Rabel, Cassandra Greenhough, Julia Mills, Karen Nabuurs, Teanna Matchett, Peyman Azad Khaneghah and Pranshu Arora, as well as the Locator Device Project Steering Committee which provided oversight for the project.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Supplementary material

Locater device project (LDP) interview questions

Interviewee:

Role:

Date & time:

Duration:

1. Please describe the implementation process of the LDP project from your perspective and experience (ie, the process of recruiting and setting up participants or being recruited).

2. What factors or circumstances do you think have contributed to the success of the implementation of the LDP?

3. Did you experience any challenges or barriers (eg, competing priorities, organizational challenges, job role changes, technological challenges) that kept you from carrying out your responsibilities?

4. Can you think of anything that could be done differently to address the challenges or barriers that have affected the implementation process?

5. In your opinion, how effective do you think the project has been in improving information flow and knowledge use between everyone involved (participants, caregivers, case managers and research assistants)? Did you feel well informed in regards to your role, responsibilities, and was access to information easily available when you were unsure?

Locater device project (LDP) interview questions

Interviewee: Tracy Ruptash

Role:

Date & time:

Duration:

1. Please describe the implementation process of the LDP project from your perspective and experience (ie, the process of recruiting and setting up participants or being recruited).

2. Have you previously been a part of the implementation of a program/project? If yes, how has the implementation process of this project compared?

3. Was there any specific or different approach taken interacting and working with the participants in this project compared to previous projects?

4. In your opinion, how effective do you think the project has been in improving information flow and knowledge use between everyone involved (participants, caregivers, HC CM, RAs)?

5. What role did your colleagues and peers play in how you carried out the implementation process?

6. Did you feel supported by the organization in carrying out your role and feel that autonomy was encouraged?

7. What factors or circumstances do you think have contributed to the success of the implementation of the LDP?

8. Did you experience any challenges or barriers (eg, competing priorities, organizational challenges, job role changes, technological challenges) that kept you from carrying out your responsibilities?

9. Can you think of anything that could be done differently to address the challenges or barriers that have affected the implementation process?