Question drop

Abstract

Background: The University of Nottingham, School of Health Sciences, Centre of Evidence Based Healthcare (CEBHC) aspires to work in close partnership with clinical colleagues to support evidence synthesis and transfer. Each year, up to 400 MSc and BSc students in the School complete an evidence synthesis dissertation on a topic of their choice. Some students struggle to identify a relevant topic whereas others choose topics that are not directly relevant to practice. At the same time, clinical colleagues note that they lack the time and resources to find the right evidence for their clinical problems. Objective: The CEBHC created an innovative scheme called ’Question Drop’ to enable practitioners to pair up with students undertaking dissertations to find answers to pressing clinical issues. Methods: The system is currently being piloted. An on-line system was created through ‘Workspace’. Practice development matrons work with their teams to identify pressing clinical issues. These are then written onto a specially designed form and submitted to the CEBHC administrator. A team from CEBHC (which includes senior practitioners) reviews and prioritises the clinical questions. At specified points of time (in line with the dissertation planning timetable), students are invited to apply to undertake a systematic review on a submitted topic. Results: The students must have an excellent academic track record and must demonstrate a good understanding of the topic. Successful students will be recognised by a CEBHC award which will add value to their CV. A tri-partite team is then established (comprising the student, a practitioner and an academic) who work together to complete the review. Discussion: There has been great enthusiasm for this initiative. Conclusion: Question Drop is an excellent example of the evidence based practice cycle in action. The tri-partite partnership ensures that good questions are identified, evidence is reviewed and insights are directly transferred back to practice.