Translating interventional research into practice requires a multifaceted approach. Rogers’ (2003) diffusion of innovations (DOL) model provides a framework within which to implement a new intervention into practice. The model asserts that the adoption of an innovation is influenced by the nature of the innovation and the manner in which it is communicated to users in a social system. The Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) was developed by a nurse researcher with expertise in neonatal science, in collaboration with an expert in oral motor therapy. The safety and efficacy of the new intervention was tested (Lessen, 2011), followed by a formal study on its reliability. Adoption of this innovative intervention must target several disciplines including medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. The process of a neonatal intensive care unit adopting the PIOMI as the standard of oral motor therapy practice among disciplines is described using the DOL model, and the specific training program is presented, including its modifications after formal reliability testing. With the reliability of the PIOMI documented and accurate training issues identified and corrected, further studies on its efficacy should be pursued.

Presented at the at the 12th National Neonatal Nurses Conference and 15th National Mother Baby Nurses Conference, Chicago, IL, September 6-8, 2012. Abstracts published by Neonatal Network: The Journal of Neonatal Nursing.