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How to do a Virtual Breakthrough Series Collaborative

  • Systems-Level Quality Improvement
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Abstract

Despite widespread use of the breakthrough series (BTS) collaborative in healthcare, there is limited literature on how to operationalize the method in healthcare settings. A recent modification to the model is the virtual breakthrough series (VBTS), in which all work is done remotely via telephone and web-based platforms. With virtual methods gaining popularity, this manuscript presents guidance on methods to conduct a virtual breakthrough series collaborative to assist clinical teams in implementing evidence-based practices. Manuscript describes planning activities and implementation steps for individuals interested in conducting a VBTS collaborative. Topics presented include planning/preparation activities (e.g., developing a planning committee and change package of the evidence-based interventions), estimated resources required (i.e., personnel, percent effort), activities to prepare participants for the project (e.g., orientation calls), specific actions during the virtual collaborative, and evaluation approaches. The manuscript also presents examples from our work and templates for end users. This paper is a first attempt to describe the infrastructure and processes of a VBTS collaborative and offer reproducible methods currently employed in the U.S. Veterans Health Administration.

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Fig. 1

Abbreviations

BTS:

Breakthrough series

CAUTI:

Catheter associated urinary tract infections

HAPU:

Hospital acquired pressure ulcers

IHI:

Institute for healthcare improvement

NCPS:

National center for patient safety

PDSA:

Plan do study act

PIP:

Pressure injury prevention

QI:

Quality improvement

RCT:

Randomized controlled trial

SMART:

Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound

SVH:

State veteran homes

VBTS:

Virtual breakthrough series

VHA:

Veterans health administration

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Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

All authors (LZ, JN, PM) contributed to the development and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lisa Zubkoff.

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Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

Dr. Zubkoff declares that she has no conflict of interest. Ms. Neily declares that she has no conflict of interest. Dr. Mills declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Systems-Level Quality Improvement

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Zubkoff, L., Neily, J. & Mills, P.D. How to do a Virtual Breakthrough Series Collaborative. J Med Syst 43, 27 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-018-1126-z

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