Readiness for implementing individualized cancer rehabilitation in clinical care

Introduction Implementing research findings in clinical care is a challenging and protracted process, with only one-third of projects are described succeeding due to lack of support and organizational readiness. At the surgical outpatient clinic at Skåne University Hospital, an empirically developed model for individualized cancer rehabilitation is being implemented using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research in a funded quality improvement project. As part of the project, healthcare staff’s readiness for change ahead of the implementation of individualized rehabilitation is being investigated. Method A survey using the instrument “Organizational readiness for implementation change” was conducted at one surgical outpatient clinic (n=16), and the data was compiled using Microsoft Excel. Result Clear goals for implementation and the right competence was described as present. Supportive leadership that was encouraging and active was described. However, staff members called for a discussion on the prioritization of tasks, as less opportunity to perform their existing duties was described when new routines were introduced. The attitude of the staff members varied from quite negative to very positive, and the managers attitude was consistently described as positive. There was great benefit seen in the project and staff members were ready to take an active role. Discussion Although the number of participants was small, the result highlighted concerns and conditions relevant to the continued implementation of the project. This includes support for change management and strategy, measuring the impact of change efforts over time, adapting communication and interventions, and mapping readiness for change, all crucial for successful implementation of individualized cancer rehabilitation.