Abstract
BackgroundThe translation of research into clinical practice is a key component of evidence-informed decision making. We implemented a multi-component dissemination and implementation strategy for healthcare professionals (HCPs) called Evidence Rounds. We report the findings of focus groups and interviews with HCPs to explore their perceptions of Evidence Rounds and help inform the implementation of future similar initiatives. This is the second paper in a two-part series.MethodsWe employed total population, purposive sampling by targeting all of the health care professionals who attended or presented at group sessions exploring the evidence on clinical questions or topics chosen and presented by the HCPs. We conducted and audio-recorded in-person focus groups and one-to-one interviews, which were then transcribed verbatim. Two authors independently coded transcripts. NVivo software was used to collate the primary data and codes. We analysed data guided by the five steps involved in framework analysis; 1) familiarization 2) identifying a thematic framework 3) indexing 4) charting 5) mapping and interpretation.ResultsThirteen HCPs participated, of which 6 were medical doctors an d 7 were nursing or midwifery staff. We identified the following key domains; organisational readiness for change, barriers and facilitators to attendance, barriers and facilitators to presenting, communication and dissemination of information, and sustainability. During focus groups and interviews HCPs reported that Evidence Rounds had a positive impact on their continuing education and clinical practice. They also provided insights into how future initiatives could be optimised to support and enable them to narrow the gap between research evidence and practice.ConclusionsIndividual, departmental and organisational level contextual factors can play a major role in implementation within complex health services. HCPs highlighted how in combination with clinical guideline development, implementation of evidence could be increased. Further research after a longer period of implementation could investigate how initiatives might be optimised to promote the uptake of evidence, improve implementation and expedite behaviour change.
Highlights
The translation of research into clinical practice is a key component of evidence-informed decision making
The objectives of this study were to use focus groups and interviews a) to identify Healthcare professional (HCP)-reported barriers and facilitators to attending and presenting at educational group sessions b) to explore HCPs’ views of Evidence Rounds, as a dissemination strategy, and c) to generate insights to improve the sustainability of future initiatives because evidence about the sustainability of knowledge translation (KT) interventions is still lacking [22, 23]
Thirteen HCPs participated in three focus groups, and five in one-to-one interviews
Summary
The translation of research into clinical practice is a key component of evidence-informed decision making. A Cochrane systematic review of 81 trials involving nearly 11,000 healthcare professionals found that standalone continuing education meetings and those with additional components can lead to small improvements in patient care and clinical practice with the exception of very complex behaviours [10]. A Cochrane systematic review by Forsetlund and colleagues found moderate quality evidence that for HCPs working in primary and secondary healthcare settings, higher attendance at educational meetings was effective at increasing compliance with a target practice. They found decreased effectiveness for outcomes with a lower level of severity and no evidence of effectiveness for complex behaviours. They recommended the use of strategies to increase attendance they did not specify the necessary components of these strategies [10]
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