Six prerequisites for implementation

Implementing the results of your dementia research is important, but the reality is: it’s not something you can just ‘fit in’ on the side. Nor can you do it entirely on your own. These prerequisites will help you get the process off to a good start (again).

1. Focus on what matters

2. Involve everyone concerned from the outset

3. Reflect on bias

4. Make your results usable

5. Be ready for the start

6. Evaluate in short cycles

Change that improves care or support

First things first: everyone talks about it, but what does implementation actually entail within the context of social-psychological dementia research?

In any case, it means more than simply ‘raising awareness’. Namely: bringing about change in practice. Ensuring that a professional acts differently than before. And doing so in such a way that dementia care or support is improved. To achieve this, it is crucial that what you wish to implement:

• is important to the target group;
• fits in with existing working practices;
• solves a problem that professionals themselves find pressing;
• is practically feasible (sufficient time and resources).

You don’t have to do it alone

Implementation often takes longer than your research. That makes implementation a shared responsibility. So you don’t have to go through this process on your own. Depending on your findings, your field of practice and your personal ambitions, you can carry out parts of the preparation and support yourself or through other organisations, such as implementation experts from Vilans and/or ZonMw.

Ultimately, it is the ‘users’ of your findings who will implement the changes in day-to-day practice.

This is what you do

As a researcher, you facilitate, support and build buy-in during the phase leading up to implementation. Researchers are therefore responsible for that initial phase. Implementation therefore does not start at the end, but at the beginning of every research project. At that stage, you must already consider: who will be using your knowledge/research/tool in the future? What do they need to be able to use it effectively?

To do: 6 prerequisites

Your most important task in this process is to ensure the preconditions for implementing your research are in place.

1. Focus on issues that really matter

Address one or more real-world problems. In other words: work on issues that really matter, and avoid providing an answer to a question nobody has asked.

2. Work with all stakeholders from the outset

From the very start of your project, collaborate with all relevant experts (including those with lived experience) and organisations. There may be more of them than you realise.

If you involve your target groups (users and experts by experience) right from the start, you’ll gather the necessary information and build the essential support and sense of ownership. You can do this, for example, by formulating joint objectives and organising feedback sessions. Not sure how to reach your target group(s)? Check out ‘First aid for target group participation’.

Also check which organisations can support your implementation process via ‘Your impactpartners’.

3. Reflect on bias

Be aware of any assumptions and bias. This will ensure that your findings are applicable to everyone who could benefit from them. Is your user a specific type of healthcare provider? Check that you are assuming the correct level(s) of training. And make sure that your research has included all the groups for whom it is relevant. Groups that are often overlooked include people with dementia who also have a migrant background, low literacy levels or a low income. Think in terms of possibilities: a focus group of 30 people isn’t always necessary. One-to-one discussions are sometimes more appropriate. Double-check that all the data you already have is (still) inclusive and contains no blind spots.

Tip: feel free to seek advice from the Experience-Based Knowledge & Participation Helpdesk.

4. Make your findings usable

Translate scientific findings into a form that is useful in practice. This is best achieved through co-creation. Ensure that your end product is suitable for the entire organisation or sector, so that other sites or departments can easily adapt it to their own circumstances. So create generic building blocks and bear in mind that every organisation has its own working methods.

5. Get ready for launch

Consult with your team and your research institution to determine which steps and procedures are required before your healthcare tool, clinical questionnaire or technology can be put into practice. Do you need to register your intellectual property? Does the Medical Device Regulation apply to you? For example, involve the legal department or a Technology Transfer Office.

6. Evaluate in short cycles

Evaluate every step you take. This creates short cycles. It keeps the process manageable and allows you to identify the (practical) obstacles that might otherwise cause your implementation to falter later on. A good example of the use of such short cycles is the development of the Cuddly Toy with a heartbeat.

When will your implementation be ready?

There’s no single right answer to that. Tip: set a goal with your team in advance and choose something you can actually influence.

Is your mission only a success if your findings are put into practice? Or can you be satisfied if you successfully complete your project and pass the baton on – so that others can take your research one step closer to practical application?

Read more

• Vilans.nl: various implementation toolkits for technology in healthcare
• Movisie.nl: implementation toolkit for social work
• Alzheimer Nederland: tips for impactful research
• Zorgvoorinnoveren.nl: compilation page with implementation tips
• Kwf.nl: toolkit for researchers working on clinical applications
• Nwo.nl: Impact Plan Approach, a strategy that increases the likelihood of impact through interactions
• ZonMw.nl: support with implementation
• Umcg.nl: implementation toolbox from the University Network for Elderly Care