Factors influencing the implementation of self-management solutions in healthcare: an interview study with NHS managers

Abstract

Background/aims: Research focusing on the perspectives of healthcare managers, who are often key in devising strategies for the implementation of self-management solutions, is limited. This study aimed to investigate the barriers to the implementation of technology-based self-management solutions in an NHS organisation and how this affects project delivery Methods: Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 NHS employees in various managerial roles from one organisation. As initial findings suggested that managers were not fully aware of how to approach the different stages of project delivery, a second analysis was conducted to explore their approaches and insights at various stages of a self-management project. Findings: Participants were highly knowledgeable about key decision-making processes in the initial phases of a project, but clearly struggled during the organisation and implementation phases. Conclusions: To support the successful implementation of projects, managers should focus more on unpacking the later stages of project delivery and addressing the contextual factors that influence them.