Stakeholder Engagement for a Planned Automated Quality Measurement System

Abstract

We sought to evaluate the context of potential implementation of an automated quality measurement system for inpatients with heart failure in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The research methodology was guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Sciences (PARIHS) framework and the sociotechnical model of health information technology. Data sources comprised semi-structured interviews (n = 15), archival review of internal VA documents, and literature review. The interviewees consisted of four VA key informants and 11 subject matter experts (SMEs). Interviewees were VA quality management (QM) staff, clinicians, data analysts, and quality measurement experts, among others. Our interviews identified themes, which confirmed that the automated system is aligned with current internal organizational features, hardware and software infrastructure, and workflow and communication needs. We also identified facilitators and barriers to adoption of the automated system. The themes found will be used to inform future implementation of the system.