Facilitators and barriers to 10 national quality forum safe practices

The objective of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to the implementation of 10 National Quality Forum (NQF) medication processes and the culture of safety practices in Georgia hospitals. In-depth interviews with hospital administrators were conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to the implementation of programs that support the NQF safe practices. Hospitals identified significant as well as other key factors that resulted in the adoption and/or nonadoption of medication and culture of safety practices. Informants also identified strategies used to overcome barriers that were experienced. Facilitators to both practices include administrative leadership support and education and training. The resistance to change was the most significant barrier identified in both the safe medication process interviews and the culture of safety interviews. Implementing safety practices can be a difficult process, replete with organizational, financial, and professional barriers. Strategies identified by our informants to overcome these barriers may assist other hospitals currently facing this challenge.