Dynamic capabilities as an innovation tool: Improving pharmaceutical care through strategic problem solving

Abstract

Introduction: Innovation in pharmaceutical care presents a challenge for continuous improvement, especially in regional contexts such as the department of Boyacá, Colombia. This study addresses the problem of barriers to innovation from a comprehensive perspective, analyzing the dynamic capabilities of pharmaceutical care personnel to solve organizational problems and adapt to a changing environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study seeks to understand not only existing limitations but also to identify strategies that promote collaboration, continuous training, and the cultural transformation necessary to drive innovation.

Objectives. General: To analyze the dynamic innovation capabilities in pharmaceutical care in order to improve the resolution of organizational problems.
To identify the main barriers hindering innovation through the analysis of perceptions and professional practices.
To characterize the problem-solving strategies employed to adapt to the challenges of the regional environment. Methodology. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, using a descriptive-exploratory design (Creswell, 2014) to measure perceptions in three municipalities of Boyacá, and semi-structured interviews to delve into organizational contexts, problem-solving strategies, and barriers to innovation (Flick, 2018). Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics, with methodological triangulation to ensure the relevance of the findings (Bryman, 2016).
Results. Barriers were not clearly identified, and resource constraints were perceived (Tidd & Bessant, 2020; Vagnani et al., 2019). Furthermore, neutral or negative perspectives on innovation opportunities persisted, with only economic barriers, staff shortages, and resistance to change identified. Collaboration and continuous training were highlighted as key strategies, aligning with Argyris and Schön's organizational learning theory. A positive correlation was found between perceived barriers and resource limitations, while ongoing training was negatively correlated with the identification of obstacles, suggesting that training and support networks are fundamental to fostering innovative environments in pharmaceutical care (Kim et al., 2024).
Conclusions: The results indicate that, although pharmaceutical care staff recognize the existence of barriers to innovation, there is also a significant desire to improve training and opportunities to innovate in their practice. The observed correlation between ongoing training and the mitigation of barriers suggests that investing in training and the creation of collaborative networks can be key to fostering such an environment. Therefore, it is essential that healthcare facilities implement strategies that promote both training and an organizational culture that values ​​innovation, thus facilitating adaptation to the evolving demands of users.
Contribution/Originality: Comprehensive approach to perceptions of innovation and problem-solving. Provides empirical evidence on barriers and the importance of ongoing training, highlighting the need for a cultural shift. It emphasizes interprofessional collaboration as a catalyst for innovation, contributing to the specialized literature and offering practical recommendations to improve innovative capacity.