What is the Adams Influence Model?

The Adams Influence Model, or the AIM, is a framework for understanding the factors, attributes, and processes of influence. The AIM is meant to provide nurse leaders with a process for creating and implementing an effective influence strategy.

 In the words of Dr. Jeff Adams, creator of the Adams Innovation Model; “The AIM was originally developed after spending nearly a decade working as a clinical information systems consultant for health systems and had seen that at nearly every hospital, big or small, often times the Chief Nurses were not included or closely involved in the creation of the clinical information system for their organization.” Dr. Adams goes on to say that “As I contemplated why, I had discussions with nurse leaders whom I really respected. “From there we collaborated and  began to develop studies, and the findings suggested that it wasn’t JUST clinical information systems. Nurse executives actually self-reported as feeling less influential on a host of topics.”

What is the Adams Influence Model used for?

The AIM was created on a foundation of nurse leadership and has applications in many ways. It is meant to be used as a basis for understanding how and why things happen. For example, Dr. Adams writes that his favorite use for the AIM is “when someone uses the AIM as a self-inventory to plan before they embark on a task. Whether that is purchasing a car, asking for a raise or lobbying congress.”

How does the Adams Influence Model affect Virtual Nursing and its implementation?

In healthcare, the AIM can be used to identify the factors that affect the adoption of new treatments, medical devices, models of care or healthcare practices. A couple of ways the Adams Influence Model can support healthcare are:

• • Evaluating potential solutions: The AIM can be used to assess a possible solution for potential outcomes, drawbacks, and roadblocks. This allows leaders to determine whether an idea has merit or not.

  • Identifying barriers to adoption: The model can help healthcare providers identify the barriers to the adoption of new healthcare practices. These barriers can include cost, lack of training or education, cultural resistance, or regulatory obstacles. By identifying these barriers, healthcare providers can develop strategies to overcome them.
    
  • Understanding Stakeholders: The AIM can help healthcare providers and nurse leaders understand the many stakeholders involved in the adoption and implementation of innovative solutions. By understanding the needs, preferences, and motivations of each stakeholder, healthcare providers can tailor their adoption strategy accordingly. Stakeholders include people like patients, hospital administrators, insurance companies, nurse leaders and regulatory bodies.

Tailoring the adoption strategy: Based on the analysis of the model, healthcare providers can develop a tailored adoption strategy. This can involve developing training programs, marketing initiatives, or regulatory compliance measures. By tailoring the adoption strategy, healthcare providers can increase the likelihood of successful adoption and implementation of new healthcare practices.

In summary

The Adams Influence Model is a framework for understanding the factors that affect influence and assists healthcare professionals to understand the complex factors that influence the adoption and implementation of new healthcare practices. By making use of the AIM nurse leaders can develop a strategic approach to the adoption of new innovations, resulting in a greater chance of the changes sticking around for the long term.