One topic that is discussed in the Agile Implementation book by Dr. Malaz Boustani is Nudge. Nudge is a type of choice architecture that you never really pay attention to until it is brought to your attention. Choice architecture is literally everywhere. One example of it is Netflix. When I was a senior in college, my sister told me about this cool online streaming service known to the world as Netflix. As a struggling college student, I expressed my need to budget my coins. She informed me that Netflix offered a free month trial and that I could cancel after it ended. I was intrigued by this concept. All I had to do was provide my credit card information and I was able to binge-watch movies and TV shows. Fast forward 6 years, and Netflix is still taking money out of my account monthly. Netflix providing a “free trial” encourages people to try it out, which leads to many people keeping the service.
The AI book offers a glimpse on how Nudge choice architecture is an essential component in creating sustainable change within a healthcare setting. When choice architecture is subtly implemented in the healthcare sector, providers can prompt better decisions and behaviors of their patients. Here are three different ways that Nudge can be utilized:
- Nudges that are based in behavioral economics can be directed towards both physicians and patients to prevent burnout and increase adherence to care programs.
- Nudges and other behavioral concepts can also be used as an effective project management tool to facilitate higher quality care.
- Nudges can be useful in changing prescribing behavior within the healthcare industry, which is an impactful way to help end the misuse of opioids.
Nudge offers a multitude of benefits when implemented within the healthcare field properly. The Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science at the Indiana University School of Medicine can provide the necessary tools on changing human behavior. Through education and engagement services, healthcare professionals can learn a proven, evidence-based change methodology that has been designed specifically to improve healthcare: Agile Implementation.