Putting evidence into practice in low-resource settings.

Abstract

of at least two major steps: the first is to translate evidence into context-specific and user-friendly formats (such as algorithms, guidelines and desktop guides), requiring resources, support and specific skills; the second — which is perhaps even more challenging — is to ensure that clinical practitioners adopt the available evidence into practice. Knowledge on the effectiveness of various in terventions to influence clinical practice in low-resource settings is limited and is flawed because of weak research design (2). Moreover, a strong publication bias against reports from developing countries with negative results contributes to our lack of understanding of barriers to implementing such interventions (3). The effectiveness of a one-off training session is also questionable. Continuing medical education and formal training that focuses on local educational needs and barriers to implementing evidence are likely to be effective in influencing clinical practice, although more research is needed to demonstrate unequivocally the cost–effectiveness of continuing