Sequential implementation of the EQUIPPED geriatric medication safety program as a learning health system

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medication Safety
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Academic health systems can improve medication safety through collaborative research.
• Sequential implementation of programs allows for iterative learning and resource development.
• The EQUIPPED program targets potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a three-site academic health system research collaborative focused on the EQUIPPED medication safety program.
• To describe the collaborative's process as a learning health system.
• To understand resource development for scaling the EQUIPPED program.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Replicating Effective Programs framework.
• Analyzed focus group data, meeting minutes, and organizational profiles.
• Employed sequential implementation across three academic emergency departments over three years.

Main Results:

• Identified 10 key process elements for program implementation.
• Developed an implementation package and logic model based on lessons learned.
• Each site required tailored approaches due to unique characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative functions as a learning health system, providing a model for multi-site quality improvement.
• An implementation package was created, suitable for further vetting and dissemination.
• This approach facilitates large-scale adoption of medication safety programs in community settings.