title: The Productive Ward: releasing Time to Care(™)--what we can learn from the literature for implementation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper reviews the Productive Ward: Releasing Time to Care™ literature, identifying and discussing the key characteristics that may contribute to successful implementation.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  It is 5 years since the official UK launch of the Productive Ward, and the Republic of Ireland commenced a phased, national implementation programme in 2011. Thus it is timely to reflect on the implementation lessons learned to date and described in the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using taxonomic mapping, this paper evaluates the current state of the literature that pertains to Productive Ward implementation experience; success factors; reports, and assessments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven common contextual characteristics were identified: robust and engaging communication; enabling and empowering roles; appropriate training; project planning and management; leadership; corporate/management engagement and support; and financial and human resource commitment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The key characteristics identified have a direct impact on the implementation of the Productive Ward. The interplay between these key characteristics and how this interplay influences successful implementation of the Productive Ward warrants further research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acknowledging and embracing the seven characteristics during implementation will positively improve the progress and success of the initiatives implementation.
authors.affiliation: Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit, HSE-South, Kilkenny, Ireland.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: John Sg
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Butterworth
mesh_terms: D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000639:trends*; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000379:methods*; D006761:Hospitals / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D058996:Quality Improvement; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: Productive Ward; implementation; improvement; lean health care; quality; releasing time to care