Factors Enabling Innovation Readiness of Long-Term Care Organizations: Stakeholder Opinions

Abstract

Background
Increasing innovation readiness of long-term care organizations for older adults is vital to ensure future provision and affordability of care delivery.
Purpose
This study sought to gain insight into factors that contribute to innovation readiness and addresses the following research question: What factors contribute to the innovation readiness of long-term care organizations for older adults?
Methodology/Approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders connected to long-term care in the Netherlands: academics, (top) management, innovation managers, and consultants. A thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results
Four main factors were identified that contribute to the innovation readiness: 1) a clear strategic course for innovation, 2) a tailored innovation journey, 3) inspirational leading for innovation, and 4) hands-on-learning for innovation. Stakeholders highlighted that innovation readiness should not be developed as an ad-hoc initiative but should be embedded into corporate strategies and decision-making processes. All stakeholders mentioned the importance of ‘preparing’ the organization for innovation readiness and professional ‘learning for innovation’.
Conclusion
This study provides a step toward evidence-based factors, presented in a general framework, that contribute to the innovation readiness of long-term care organizations for older adults. Future research could verify the findings of this study and develop a scan, based on this study’s innovation readiness factors, indicating the maturity of long-term organizations for older adults.
Practice Implications
To become more innovation ready long-term care organizations are encouraged to embed innovation readiness into their corporate strategies and decision-making processes, to integrate learning into daily activities, and to collaborate with stakeholders.