Reflection on Implementation Mechanisms and the Rideau Locks!
I was downtown for Ottawa and decided to play tourist! While listening to "That Implementation Science Podcast" episode on strategies and mechanism I walked past the Rideau locks and had an aha! moment: Byron Powell: Implementation strategies and mechanism diagramming - That Implementation Science Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
For non-Ottawa folks, the Rideau River empties into the Ottawa River using two paths. One path is a strategically engineered lock system through the canal; the other over a waterfall at the end of the river. Both lead to the same result, but I'm only trusting my kayak over one!
While learning about implementation mechanisms and casual pathways it was clear to me that we need to be sure what we're doing in implementation is intentional. Theory + an understanding of the underlying mechanisms is critical, especially for adaptation. Otherwise we're trusting our boats over the waterfall and not the locks. We may still be successful, but end up needlessly battered and bruised!
Implementation mechanisms are the underlying processes that enable our strategies to work effectively. They show us how and why implementation efforts are successful, and are critical to replication, adaptation, and optimization of future implementations.
They're the "locks" that have helped captains navigate complex waters with cargo ships in Panama, and kayakers in Ottawa equally.
When we have the visual of the locks and waterfalls we know which path to choose — the one that is safe, tested, and calm. In healthcare implementation it may it may not be so clear, we may be implementing a system that leads over a waterfall. By mapping mechanisms and ensuring feedback loops, we can make our implicit thinking explicit and create line of sight that both improves our efforts and the outcomes for those we serve.
Let me know your thoughts! Does this resonate? Did I miss the mark? What aha moments have you had when discussing implementation with friends and family?
