Healthcare and nursing require innovation in response to the external environment because of the increasing demands of quality care, access to care, and cost containment. The external healthcare environment is constantly changing, including technological advancements, demographic changes, and evolving healthcare policies, which require innovative solutions to meet the needs of patients and stakeholders. Innovation in nursing care has been associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Therefore, nursing leaders must respond to cost, quality, and access issues to develop a cost-based answer for innovation.
Nursing leaders should approach their examination of evidence-based care that leads them to innovation by following a systematic approach. They should thoroughly review the literature to identify evidence-based practices that have successfully improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. This information can be used to guide the development of innovative programs of care that are evidence-based and cost-effective (Newby et al., 2020). Nursing leaders should also involve stakeholders in the innovation process, including patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare administrators, to ensure that the program meets the needs of all stakeholders.
The nurse’s role in “selling” the need for innovation to senior healthcare leadership is crucial in the development of innovative, cost-effective care programs. Nurses are at the frontline of patient care and uniquely positioned to identify areas where innovation is needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs (Weberg & Davidson, 2019). Therefore, nursing leaders should involve nurses in creating and empowering them to share their ideas with senior healthcare leadership. Nurses can provide valuable insights into the feasibility and potential impact of innovative care programs. By involving nurses in the innovation process, healthcare leaders can ensure that the program is practical and feasible in the clinical setting.
In conclusion, nursing leaders play a crucial role in the development of innovative, cost-effective programs of care. Healthcare and nursing require innovation in response to the external environment of healthcare, including technological advancements, demographic changes, and evolving healthcare policies. Nursing leaders should approach their examination of evidence-based care that leads them to innovation by following a systematic approach, involving stakeholders, and empowering nurses. By developing innovative, cost-effective care programs, nursing leaders can improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care.
References
Newby, J. C., Mabry, M. C., Carlisle, B. A., Olson, D. W. M., & Lane, B. E. (2020). Reflections on nursing ingenuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 52(5). Web.
Weberg, D., & Davidson, S. (2019). Leadership for evidence-based innovation in nursing and health professions. Jones & Bartlett Learning.