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.
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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All authors (LZ, JN, PM) contributed to the development and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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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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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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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-018-1126-z