Developing a followership innovation implementation strategy for nurses : an applied implementation research study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Followership training for nurses is critical because it improves the nurse leader–follower dyad, healthcare team functioning, and patient outcomes. However, leadership training has traditionally received priority in healthcare, and the follower role has been neglected. The reason is that followership is classified as passive role that requires no development. AIM : The aim of the research was to develop a followership innovation implementation strategy for nurses working in a hospital. METHODS : We adopted implementation research using an explorative descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through a stakeholder analysis workshop from ten purposively selected stakeholders. The workshop was audio-recorded and data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis. Insights from stakeholders were incorporated into thematic areas adapted from the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Implementation Research Logic Model. RESULTS : The innovation was a followership training programme for nurses, and the inner context was the selected hospital where training would be implemented. The external setting comprised the university, higher education council, and nursing council that would partner with the hospital during implementation. Individuals included the research team, hospital in-service department, and nurses who would receive training. The implementation process incorporated a pre-implementation plan. CONCLUSION : Implementation research frameworks are instrumental in developing evidence-based implementation strategies in the nursing discipline. Successful implementation of the followership innovation can promote collaboration between nurse leaders and followers. Future research needs to implement and investigate the impact of the followership innovation among nurses.