Table 1 Implementation strategies used to enable adoption and integration of grip strength measurement
Implementation strategies | activities |
|---|---|
Education and training | Deliver training to nursing staff, doctors, and therapists. |
Administrative support | Establishing a clinical steering group including nursing staff from each ward, a dietician lead, a physiotherapist, and the lead of the department education team. Regular meetings every 2–3 months to discuss progress, on-going training needs in each ward, address any identified potential barriers, share successful stories and good experiences and guide the implementation process. Meeting minutes were emailed to ward managers and senior nurses. |
Concurrent monitoring and feedback | Regular review of patients’ records to assess coverage was communicated to the clinical staff (either in person or via emails) to promote the implementation process and to inform ongoing change efforts. The department newsletters were also used to facilitate the implementation process to promote training, disseminate any update or progress, acknowledge success (at individual and ward levels), and encourage implementation. The employee of the month was awarded several times to individuals who encouraged the use of grip strength measurement in their wards. |
Incorporation into documentation process | The grip strength care plan was added to patient’s routine admission booklet. |