Reflections on the implementation and evaluation of a system-wide improvement programme based on the fundamentals of care: Lessons learned.

Aim: To demonstrate how implementing a system-wide measurement and improvement programme can make the delivery of the Fundamentals of Care visible in practice.

Design: Discussion paper.

Data Sources: A retrospective evaluation of the experience of implementing a system-wide peer review programme using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework.

Implications For Nursing: Implementing this programme engages nursing leaders at all levels in fundamental care delivery, evaluation and improvement. It positions nursing leaders as accountable for and champions of fundamental care.

Conclusion: The peer review programme offers a solution to the complex challenge of measuring the fundamentals of care in practice. Successful implementations of this programme at two New Zealand inpatient sites have shown positive results in improved care and patient experience. This makes it worthy of consideration for other health organizations. Nursing leadership has proven to be critical to success. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework highlights the components that assist with successful implementation and assists in presenting a case for change.

Impact: This paper addressed the problem of the lack of action and dearth of quality, integrated data, visibility of the patient experience and the contribution of nursing leadership in an inpatient setting. Findings indicate that the peer review programme is translatable, modifiable and sensitive to ethnicity and disability. Using the implementation framework to evaluate the process has provided a guide for future implementations.