Agile Implementation: A Blueprint for Implementing Evidence-Based Healthcare Solutions.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the essential components of an Agile Implementation (AI) process, which rapidly and effectively implements evidence-based healthcare solutions, and present a case study demonstrating its utility.

DESIGN: Case demonstration study.

SETTING: Integrated, safety net healthcare delivery system in Indianapolis.

PARTICIPANTS: Interdisciplinary team of clinicians and administrators.

MEASUREMENTS: Reduction in dementia symptoms and caregiver burden; inpatient and outpatient care expenditures.

RESULTS: Implementation scientists were able to implement a collaborative care model for dementia care and sustain it for more than 9 years. The model was implemented and sustained by using the elements of the AI process: proactive surveillance and confirmation of clinical opportunities, selection of the right evidence-based healthcare solution, localization (i.e., tailoring to the local environment) of the selected solution, development of an evaluation plan and performance feedback loop, development of a minimally standardized operation manual, and updating such manual annually.

CONCLUSION: The AI process provides an effective model to implement and sustain evidence-based healthcare solutions.