A Framework for Spread: From Local Improvements to System-Wide Change | IHI

A key factor in closing the gap between best practice and common practice is the ability of health care providers and their organizations to rapidly spread innovations and new ideas. 

Pockets of excellence exist in the health care systems, but knowledge of these better ideas and practices often remains isolated and unknown to others. Too often these improvements remain unknown and unused by others within the organization. 

Organizations face several challenges in spreading good ideas, including the characteristics of the innovation itself; the willingness or ability of those making the adoption to try the new ideas; and characteristics of the culture and infrastructure of the organization to support change.

This article proposes a framework for spread innovations.