Implementing and sustaining evidence-based practice in health care: The Bridge Model experience

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Social Work Interventions
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Hospital readmissions pose a significant burden on healthcare systems.
• Transitional care programs aim to reduce readmissions by improving care coordination.
• Community-based organizations (CBOs) play a vital role in delivering post-discharge support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implementation and sustainability experiences of CBOs using the Bridge Model of Transitional Care.
• To identify barriers and facilitators encountered by CBOs in delivering transitional care.
• To provide recommendations for successful implementation of health service interventions by CBOs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design.
• Semi-structured interviews with clinical supervisors from 13 CBOs.
• Analysis of experiences from 2012-2015 Bridge Model training participants.

Main Results:

• Significant challenges in establishing sustainable hospital partnerships were reported.
• Financial constraints and staff turnover were identified as key implementation barriers.
• Organizational champions, culture, and evidence value facilitated program sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation of transitional care requires strong hospital partnerships and financial planning.
• Addressing staff turnover and leveraging internal champions are crucial for sustainability.
• CBOs need to adapt to evolving healthcare payment models and diversify funding.