Service Implementation

When new services are being developed it can be hugely beneficial to follow a service implementation methodology to maximise the chances of success. Dr Jai offers guidance and support for leaders developing new clinical services as well as to established services seeking to adapt or change their service delivery model and for those interested in bringing meaningful wellbeing strategies to the workplace.   

Offering specific guidance in relation to mental health and wellbeing, Dr Jai brings a psychological perspective to all aspects of service implementation. The model adopted  generally follows 4 key stages that starts with exploration and preparation leading to full implementation. Timescales can vary but due attention to each phase is crucial to the success of an intervention or service. The 4 stages are outlined below and Dr jai offers services at each stage of the implementation cycle: 

1. Exploration & Preparation

In this exploratory stage fundamental questions are answered to focus on what will actually be implemented to select, design and develop the intervention or service to be implemented. It is a key decision-making phase that will help to assess the readiness of the intervention. Having an external and objective consultant involved in this phase of work can save much time and resource further down the line as it is a key decision-making stage in implementation. 

Activities during this stage include:

• Assessing needs and the evidence base for the intervention
• Assessing fit, feasibility and appropriateness
• Assessing implementation readiness
• Developing leadership for implementation
• Stakeholder engagement planning
• Selecting or designing the intervention
• Identifying outcomes
• Developing a theory of change and logic model

2. Planning & Resourcing 

During this stage, the foundation is laid for effective implementation. At the end of the stage, there should be a plan for implementation outlining the tasks required, people responsible and timelines for delivery. An implementation team should be identified to guide the process from this point forward. To ensure the organisation can deliver the intervention or service, funding may need to be secured, staff hired and training and focusing on what other resources are required. 

Activities during this stage include:

• Assessing strengths and barriers for implementation
• Developing an implementation plan
• Establishing implementation team(s) and other structures to support implementation
• Securing resources 
• Navigating accreditation and professional registration requirements in the recruitment of clinical staff
• Identifying champions to support implementation
• Designing monitoring, evaluation and feedback systems
• Determining and delivering staff training, capacity building and support requirements
• Planning for sustainability.

3. Implementation & Operationalisation

During this stage, the intervention is implemented for the first time most likely as a pilot before being fulled rolled out later. While expectations may be high, this phase is important to proceed through slowly as there is much to learn from the initial operationalisation. The implementation plan developed in the preceding stage can help to manage stakeholder expectations and should be reviewed during this phase to reflect any unforeseen changes.

Activities during this stage include:

• Maintaining ongoing communication with key stakeholders, explaining why the intervention is necessary and securing continued buy in
• Providing ongoing professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring for stakeholders implementing and delivering the intervention
• Monitoring implementation, service and client outcomes
• Using data and feedback to inform ongoing improvements
• Adapting for local context where appropriate.

4. Full Implementation 

During this stage, the intervention is now fully operational, being used consistently and integrated  into the setting, supported by the necessary structures and resources. At this stage, outcomes of the intervention or service are ready to evaluated as this phase provides opportunity to demonstrate progress and impact. 

Activities during this stage include:

• Maintaining good practice
• Developing more efficient and effective structures
• Evaluating implementation, service and client outcomes
• Engaging in continuous improvement cycles.

You can read more about some of the services Dr Jai has established by visiting her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dradhyaru/

For consultation requests, please get in touch.