Implement Innovations
In the initial innovation zone, we recommend starting with evidence-based programs that are supported by strong purveyor organizations that make full use of the knowledge of stages of implementation and core implementation components as outlined elsewhere on this website. Experienced purveyors, hopefully working in combination with other purveyors, can help achieve more immediately successful use of innovations and can provide good models of the kind of capacity the state will need to establish to have a sustainable infrastructure for transformation. With purveyors as tutors, site-based individuals can begin learning how to move organizations efficiently and effectively through the stages of implementation, create capacity for effective use of the core implementation components, and identify system alignment issues that will need to be resolved. Especially in the beginning, when transformation is most difficult and any changes are fragile, the strategic use of experienced purveyors can speed the change process and vastly improve the chances of early success.
The reader is cautioned to carefully select one or two evidence-based programs for initial implementation in the first innovation zone. What are the greatest unmet needs in the innovation zone? Which evidence-based programs match up with those needs? Of those that do match the needs, which evidence-based programs have an experienced purveyor group dedicated to implementing the evidence-based program with fidelity and good outcomes for consumers? Our surveys of the field indicate that very few programs anointed as “evidence-based” also have a purveyor group that can provide competent help with implementation. Remember, the goal is not only to implement the evidence-based program to benefit consumers but also to use the experience with the purveyors to develop the on-site capacity to do implementation and organizational change work effectively.
