Abstract
Background:
During 2000, Nova Scotia's Department of Health implemented policy changes and educational interventions to encourage a switch from wet nebulization therapy to dry-dose delivery systems. The policy changes applied to beneficiaries of the Nova Scotia Pharmacare Programs, while the educational interventions had a broader provincial perspective.
Methods:
Researchers from Dalhousie University's Department of Family Medicine subsequently interviewed family physicians, pharmacists, and other health professionals to gather their views on the initiative. A single researcher (PLT) conducted interviews in the summer of 2001 in two settings. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Analysis was guided by a grounded theory approach and facilitated by the use of QSR N5, a software program designed for computer-assisted qualitative data analysis.
Results:
The results are discussed in several categories, including the role of evidence, change strategies, user devotion to older delivery systems, and health care provider perspectives on policy change.
Conclusion:
Health care professionals interviewed agreed that this was a well-designed initiative in many respects. Participants identified several key elements that offer insights for future policy-implementation design, execution, and evaluation.
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