Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approach

Abstract Background Digital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) diaries can enhance the mental health of ICU survivors and their relatives by bridging memory gaps, improving understanding of ICU experiences, and providing emotional support. However, integrating digital diaries into routine ICU practice poses...

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Main Authors: Carola M. A. Schol, Margo M. C. van Mol, Erwin Ista
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-08-01
Series:Implementation Science Communications
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00767-0
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author Carola M. A. Schol
Margo M. C. van Mol
Erwin Ista
author_facet Carola M. A. Schol
Margo M. C. van Mol
Erwin Ista
author_sort Carola M. A. Schol
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Digital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) diaries can enhance the mental health of ICU survivors and their relatives by bridging memory gaps, improving understanding of ICU experiences, and providing emotional support. However, integrating digital diaries into routine ICU practice poses challenges, including privacy concerns, time constraints, and limited staff motivation. To date, no standardized implementation strategy exists. This study aimed to develop a theory-driven, stepwise implementation guide. Methods A methodological, iterative developmental design was employed, guided by the Implementation Mapping (IM) framework. The first four IM steps structured the process. Step 1 involved a needs assessment using prior qualitative and quantitative studies, including focus groups and a survey with ICU professionals, to identify barriers and facilitators. In step 2, a collaborative session defined implementation outcomes, performance objectives, and key determinants for change. Step 3 involved selecting theory-based methods and implementation strategies using the taxonomy of behavior change methods. In step 4, these strategies were translated into practical actions and materials to support implementation. Results The needs assessment (Step 1) identified 23 facilitators and 40 barriers, with survey findings confirming these insights. In step 2, fidelity, adoption, and sustainability were established as key implementation outcomes, with seven performance objectives linked to determinants such as knowledge, attitudes, and motivation. Step 3 resulted in the selection of twelve theory-based methods, including active learning, peer role modeling, and perspective-shifting, to inform strategy development. Finally, step 4 produced a structured implementation guide, adaptable to local contexts, designed to support ICU teams and champions in adopting and sustaining digital ICU diaries. Conclusions This study demonstrates the value of Implementation Mapping for developing theory-driven implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries. The resulting guide systematically addresses barriers and facilitators, offering a scalable model for integrating digital health innovations into clinical practice.
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spelling doaj-art-66441e4a5149468b8a2ddbd910b5225c2025-08-20T03:43:27ZengBMCImplementation Science Communications2662-22112025-08-016111510.1186/s43058-025-00767-0Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approachCarola M. A. Schol0Margo M. C. van Mol1Erwin Ista2Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Research Intensive Care Ne-403Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Research Intensive Care Ne-403Department of Internal Medicine, Section Nursing Science, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre RotterdamAbstract Background Digital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) diaries can enhance the mental health of ICU survivors and their relatives by bridging memory gaps, improving understanding of ICU experiences, and providing emotional support. However, integrating digital diaries into routine ICU practice poses challenges, including privacy concerns, time constraints, and limited staff motivation. To date, no standardized implementation strategy exists. This study aimed to develop a theory-driven, stepwise implementation guide. Methods A methodological, iterative developmental design was employed, guided by the Implementation Mapping (IM) framework. The first four IM steps structured the process. Step 1 involved a needs assessment using prior qualitative and quantitative studies, including focus groups and a survey with ICU professionals, to identify barriers and facilitators. In step 2, a collaborative session defined implementation outcomes, performance objectives, and key determinants for change. Step 3 involved selecting theory-based methods and implementation strategies using the taxonomy of behavior change methods. In step 4, these strategies were translated into practical actions and materials to support implementation. Results The needs assessment (Step 1) identified 23 facilitators and 40 barriers, with survey findings confirming these insights. In step 2, fidelity, adoption, and sustainability were established as key implementation outcomes, with seven performance objectives linked to determinants such as knowledge, attitudes, and motivation. Step 3 resulted in the selection of twelve theory-based methods, including active learning, peer role modeling, and perspective-shifting, to inform strategy development. Finally, step 4 produced a structured implementation guide, adaptable to local contexts, designed to support ICU teams and champions in adopting and sustaining digital ICU diaries. Conclusions This study demonstrates the value of Implementation Mapping for developing theory-driven implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries. The resulting guide systematically addresses barriers and facilitators, offering a scalable model for integrating digital health innovations into clinical practice.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00767-0Intensive care unitDigital ICU diaryImplementation mappingImplementation strategy
spellingShingle Carola M. A. Schol
Margo M. C. van Mol
Erwin Ista
Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approach
Implementation Science Communications
Intensive care unit
Digital ICU diary
Implementation mapping
Implementation strategy
title Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approach
title_full Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approach
title_fullStr Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approach
title_full_unstemmed Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approach
title_short Developing implementation strategies for digital ICU diaries targeting ICU professionals: an implementation mapping approach
title_sort developing implementation strategies for digital icu diaries targeting icu professionals an implementation mapping approach
topic Intensive care unit
Digital ICU diary
Implementation mapping
Implementation strategy
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00767-0
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AT erwinista developingimplementationstrategiesfordigitalicudiariestargetingicuprofessionalsanimplementationmappingapproach