The framework is not meant to be prescriptive or considered as a specific set of interventions. Instead, it is meant to suggest some general areas, based on theory and experience, to consider as a large spread project is undertaken. Factors such as an organization’s infrastructure, culture, size, and strength of the underlying social system and the operational system being spread will influence how the following components of the framework are applied:
- Leadership: Setting the agenda and assigning responsibility for spread
- Set-Up for Spread: Identifying the target population and the initial strategy to reach all sites in the target population with the new ideas
- Better Ideas: A description of the new ideas and evidence to “make the case” to others
- Communication: Methods to share awareness and technical information about the new ideas
- Social System: Understanding the relationships among the people who will be adopting the new ideas
- Knowledge Management: Observing and using the best methods for spread as they emerge from the practice of the organization
- Measurement and Feedback: Collecting and using data about process and outcomes to better monitor and make adjustments to the spread progress
The framework suggests an ordering of the components of the spread process. While there are no clearly defined stages, it may be useful to think about spread occurring within three overlapping phases:
- Planning and set-up
- Spread within the target population
- Continuous monitoring and feedback on the spread process
For more information and general tips on Forming the Team, Setting Aims, Selecting Changes, or Testing Changes, see How to Improve.
