The Healthcare and Technology Synergy (HATS) Model for Practice and Research

Abstract

Background: Research models that include a focus on technologies or products are critical in today,s healthcare environment. The Healthcare and Technology Synergy (HATS) model represents a synergy between three major variables, patient, product and practice, with each one affecting and being affected by the other. These variables exist within a total healthcare environment and are applicable to research in the professions of allied health, medicine and nursing. Problem: To understand and review the use of the Healthcare and Technology Synergy (HATS) model in research and practice. Approach: Models that include products can aid in evidence-based research that is translatable to patient care, patient outcomes and cost effectiveness. Outcome: In the past 5 years, five countries (Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, United States) showed interest in the model, with 143 total views of the seminal article, and 5 research studies from medicine and nursing have used the HATS model. Conclusion: Patient, product, and practice are of paramount importance in many areas of research such as bloodstream infections, urinary infections, ventilator assisted pneumonia, safety, and patient and product outcomes. Using the HATS model can strengthen research outcomes, aid in the prioritization of research agendas, establish evidencebased practice guidelines, and help in evaluating patient care outcomes.