Use Of Evidence-based Information Research Articles

STEM teachers’ beliefs about the relevance and use of evidence-based information in practice: a case study using thematic analysis

The term evidence-based practice has gained importance in teacher education as well as in everyday school life. Calls from policymakers, academics, and society have become increasingly apparent that teachers’ professional actions should not exclusively be based on subjective experiential knowledge but also on empirical evidence from research studies. However, the use of evidence comes along with several challenges for teachers such as often lacking applicability of available sources or limited time resources. This case study explores how teachers (n = 12) at secondary schools think about the relevance and usage of evidence-based information in practice as well as the barriers associated with it. As we see a particular need for evidence-based teaching in STEM disciplines, we focus on these subjects. A thematic analysis of the data indicates that the teachers generally rate relevance highly, for instance seeing opportunities for support and guidance. However, the actual use of evidence-based information in the classroom is rather low. The teachers most frequently mentioned the feasibility of implementation in class as a quality indicator of evidence-based information. Based on the data, we discuss possible conclusions to promote evidence-based practice at schools. Furthermore, the study opens up directions for further research studies with representative teacher samples in various disciplines.

P-554 Examination of Mobile Applications Specific to Infertile Couples Through the “APPLICATIONS” Scoring System in Holistic and Utility Perspectives

Abstract Study question Does mobile applications (apps) developed for infertile couples have a holistic and utility characteristic? Summary answer Many mobil apps developed in the field of fertility have limited features and very few relevant, understandable, and holistic apps were present for infertile individuals. What is known already In an increasingly technological world, mobile apps offer promising alternatives to support couples’ fertility treatment. Infertile couples can use these apps with aim to manage lifestyle, learn about fertility, follow clinical appointments, receive psychological support, or to seek peer support. For increasing efficiency of this applications, holistic approach should be considered. Human is a whole with biological, physiological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions and in fertility treatment process all dimensions are highly crucial. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility and holistic perspectives of apps developed for infertile couples by using “APPLICATIONS” mobile app scoring system. Study design, size, duration The study was a systematic evaluation of apps related to fertility and it was conducted via mobile applications platform. To determine relevant apps search was conducted on Google Play and Apple App Store by using “infertility”, “fertility”, “in vitro fertilization”, “IVF”, “sterility” and “fecundity” key words.The search was conducted twice in 1-year intervals, in February 2021 and March 2022. In total from 1917 reached apps; 1841 apps were excluded, and 76 eligible app were evaluated. Participants/materials, setting, methods Mobile apps were independently evaluated by two authors via using APPLICATIONS scoring system. The APPLICATIONS scoring system consists objective criteria such as comprehensiveness (holistic approach), fee, subscription, use of evidence-based information, purchasing, connection, advertising, text search area, interplatform suitability, use of images/shapes or videos, and app-specific features are objective scoring criteria and subjective criteria for instance subjective presentation and ease of navigation in the app. Consequently the maximum score of APPLICATIONS scoring system is 17. Main results and the role of chance The study reached 1917 applications from the search with its keywords. Seventy-six mobile applications meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed according to the “APPLICATIONS” scoring system. Of the 76 applications in the analysis, 18 were available only in the Apple App Store (23%), 28 were available only in the Google Play Store (36%), and 30 were available on both platforms (41%). Among analyzed app, we determined that one app received 16 points out of maximum 17 points, and two apps received 15 points each. Also, the lowest scoring app earned 4 points. According to overall composite scores, evaluable apps in our study showed scores in the middle range of possible scores with an average score of 9 out of 17, indicating insufficient quality in mobile apps. Besides that, only six apps (%7.8) meet all holistic comprehensiveness criteria and received full scores. Of 76 mobile applications, 31.5% were developed by a healthcare professional, 31.5% by a software company, and 38% by an unknown entity. In addition, 48% of the applications evaluated were specific to infertile couples, 45% were specific to infertile women, and 7% were specific to infertile men. Limitations, reasons for caution Because of the nature of the digital environment, mobile apps are in a continuously changing and rapidly developing internet environment, and currently, newly developed mobile apps were not present in the analysis. This was the limitation of our study. Wider implications of the findings Using mobile health apps can help infertile couples to improve treatment outcomes. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the widespread use of apps and correct the faulty practice recommendations that patients may encounter, and couples should be guided to the correct practices. Trial registration number not applicable

Irish research response to dairy quality in an era of change

The Irish dairy sector is recognised for its very significant contribution to the national economic status; it is now worth ∼€5 billion annually and represents the largest food and drink export category, which, in turn, represents one of the four largest manufacturing industries in the country. Given anticipated further growth in global demand for dairy products and the positive attributes and capabilities that Ireland has to meet that demand, in terms of pasture-based production and cost competitiveness, it is incumbent for the sector to attain the highest quality milk and dairy products. The combined collaborative approach between research and industry has ensured significant progress and enabled Ireland to remain at the forefront globally in terms of production of quality milk and dairy products. This paper highlights some specific scientific platforms and technologies currently shaping the industry in this regard and discusses current research activity as well as anticipating key requirements for future progress. While research, and farm and processing plant management have accomplished very significant advances in milk and dairy product quality, some overarching emerging challenges include product substitution and sustainability. Some key pillars for the future have been identified on which a strong, efficient dairy sector can be maintained and progressed. Specifically, the use of evidence-based information and real-time measures in prediction and decision-making will be a crucial pillar for the dairy sector of the future. This can promote an approach of proactive maintenance and optimisation of production through improved predictability and control of manufacturing processes.

Dentists’ practice patterns of treatment for deep occlusal caries: Findings from a dental practice-based research network

ObjectivesThis study quantified and compared practice patterns of treatment for deep occlusal carious lesions among Japanese dentists, and tested the hypothesis that dentist characteristics are significantly associated with the decision to choose an indirect pulp capping (IPC), a form of selective carious tissue removal that involves leaving a thin layer of demineralized tissue over the pulp, that is then covered with a protective liner. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey of dentists affiliated with the Dental Practice-based Research Network Japan (n = 297). Dentists were asked to indicate what percentage of time they use three treatment options when treating patients with deep occlusal caries and possible mild pulpitis on a posterior tooth. Response options were “1. Stop before removing all caries and perform an IPC”, “2. Remove all caries and proceed with a direct pulp cap”, and “3. Remove all caries and proceed with endodontic-related procedures”. Percentages of options 1–3 were compared by multiple comparison. Associations between dentist characteristics and a higher percentage of IPC provision (option 1) were analyzed via logistic regression. ResultsResponses were obtained from 206 dentists. Median percentages (interquartile ranges) of options 1, 2 and 3 were 30% (10–59%), 10% (0–30%), and 40% (19–80%), respectively. The differences between option 3 and options 1 and 2 were significant (p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, a higher frequency of obtaining evidence from English-language scientific articles was significantly associated with a higher percentage of IPC, with an odds ratio of 2.28 (95%CI: 1.14–4.54). ConclusionsEndodontic-related procedures remain the most frequent treatment option for deep occlusal caries. Frequent use of evidence-based information in English-language scientific articles was associated with Japanese dentists’ preference toward IPC. Clinical SignificanceJapanese dentists would most frequently choose endodontic-related procedures, followed by IPC and direct pulp capping for treatment of patients with deep occlusal caries with possible mild pulpitis on posterior teeth. Significant association was identified between use of evidence-based information in the English-language scientific literature and Japanese dentists’ preference for IPC.

Key Factors in the establishment of an academia-government center of public sector administrative data and policy research

A collaborative between the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) and the University of New Brunswick to establish a center of public sector administrative data and policy research was envisioned in 2012. Subsequent work between the parties led to the establishment of the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training (NB-IRDT) in 2014.&#x0D; Academia-government partnerships are not unique in Canada, however what sets this apart is: 1) the legislative approach used to support research, 2) scope of administrative data made available, 3) value placed on anonymized linked data, 4) governance overseeing the partnership, and 5) measures taken to ensure the protection of citizens’ data.&#x0D; In 2017, the New Brunswick Act Respecting Research received proclamation. This Act serves to provide clarity and addresses gaps in access and use of personal / health data for research. The Act has opened the doors for NB-IRDT with data owners of public sector organizations. NB-IRDT may now receive pseudonymous personal data from any public sector program collecting personal information.&#x0D; The partnership is governed by several advisory committees each serving a different role in overseeing the growth of NB-IRDT; overall direction setting being led by a panel of Deputy Ministers and the Clerk (the senior ranking civil servant in GNB.)&#x0D; The collaboration is well positioned to support public policy research and fosters the use of evidence-based information in the development of government programs and services. The partnership has also helped to encourage new and innovative thinking within GNB about the value of linkable data to support decision-making.

Evidence-based information needs of public health workers: a systematized review.

ObjectiveThis study assessed public health workers’ evidence-based information needs, based on a review of the literature using a systematic search strategy. This study is based on a thesis project conducted as part of the author’s master’s in public health coursework and is considered a systematized review.MethodsFour databases were searched for English-language articles published between 2005 and 2015: PubMed, Web of Science, Library Literature & Information Science Index, and Library, Information Science & Technology s (LISTA). Studies were excluded if there was no primary data collection, the population in the study was not identified as public health workers, “information” was not defined according to specific criteria, or evidence-based information and public health workers were not the major focus. Studies included in the final analysis underwent data extraction, critical appraisal using CASP and STROBE checklists, and thematic analysis.ResultsThirty-three research studies were identified in the search, including twenty-one using quantitative methods and twelve using qualitative methods. Critical appraisal revealed many potential biases, particularly in the validity of research. Thematic analysis revealed five common themes: (1) definition of information needs, (2) current information-seeking behavior and use, (3) definition of evidence-based information, (4) barriers to information needs, and (5) public health–specific issues.ConclusionsRecommendations are given for how librarians can increase the use of evidence-based information in public health research, practice, and policy making. Further research using rigorous methodologies and transparent reporting practices in a wider variety of settings is needed to further evaluate public health workers’ information needs.

Conflicts between Communities and Industry and Conflict Management from Evidence-Based Solutions: A Case Study of Zinc Mine Project, Mae Sod District, Tak Province, Thailand

This study was conducted to 1) study and analyze causes and results of conflict solving between zinc mine project and the community in the case of cadmium-contamination in Mae Tao watershed, Mae Sod District, Tak Province over the past 10 years, 2) prove the results of conflict resolution between both parties (Project and the community) by using new evidence based concepts to minimize conflicts between zinc mine project and the local community with respect to cadmium contamination in Mae Tao watershed in the past 10 years (2004-2014); as the problems involved many aspects in terms of such as economy, society, watershed structure, distribution of mineral deposit and mining, cadmium contamination in paddy soil, cadmium contamination in rice and cadmium contamination in human health status. This upon the least case of evidence-based information study found that case 1: problem concerning cadmium contamination in paddy soil in Mae Tao watershed has not yet been dealt with and conflicts are likely to arise again in case there appears stimulus, case 2: upon the use of evidence-based information to moderate extent, problem about cadmium contamination in rice grown in Mae Tao watershed was partially resolved and case 3: by criteria of using evidence-based information to the greatest event and the past that come related issues have been solved, cadmium accumulation in urine of people residing nearby and around Mae Tao watershed was believed not to get worse to cause Itai-Itai disease. Evidence base concept apparently gives a new neutral power in analysis of conflict resolutions in three case studies. However, the degree of success in conflict management by this approach depends on the complexity of the problems in individual case. The present study provides a convincing conclusion that the more the evidence-based knowledge the greater the success in conflict resolution.

The assessment of strategic plans of a developing country for solving barriers to access evidence-based information sources.

Most developing societies attempt to eliminate physicians and medical students' barriers to the use of evidence-based information to ensure about delivering the best practice. Hence, health sector of Iran has conducted numerous educational interventions and has provided information technology infrastructure through strategic plans to provide opportunity for physicians and medical students to use research-based information in their clinical decision from 2005. The aim of this study is to reply a question. Have the reforms of a developing country eliminated the physicians and medical assistants and students' barriers to the use of research and evidence-based information resources? A descriptive study was performed among 315 physicians, assistants, and medical students in the affiliated hospitals of Semnan University of medical sciences in 2012. The results reflected actual world scenarios in developing countries, and obviously showed that the investments could not overcome the main obstacles to the extent that was hoped. This study offers organizational and cultural approaches and information management to simplify the usage of evidence-based information sources in practice in developing countries.

Using Evidence-Based Human Resource Practices for Global Competitiveness

The purpose of this paper is to show that the use of evidence-based information from academic research regarding HRM practices can have a positive impact on an organization's degree of competitiveness. This article explains how the use of academic information sources results in greater organizational performance. Some supporting empirical research findings are briefly reviewed. We then propose how the use of evidence-based information in HRM practices can improve global operations. Different sources of academic research information are identified and described. Some specific recommendations for accessing and using academic research information are offered. Finally, a brief summary and some general conclusions are provided.

Evaluation of a Web Portal for Improving Public Access to Evidence-Based Health Information and Health Literacy Skills: A Pragmatic Trial

BackgroundUsing the conceptual framework of shared decision-making and evidence-based practice, a web portal was developed to serve as a generic (non disease-specific) tailored intervention to improve the lay public's health literacy skills.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of the web portal compared to no intervention in a real-life setting.MethodsA pragmatic randomised controlled parallel trial using simple randomisation of 96 parents who had children aged <4 years. Parents were allocated to receive either access to the portal or no intervention, and assigned three tasks to perform over a three-week period. These included a searching task, a critical appraisal task, and reporting on perceptions about participation. Data were collected from March through June 2011.ResultsUse of the web portal was found to improve attitudes towards searching for health information. This variable was identified as the most important predictor of intention to search in both samples. Participants considered the web portal to have good usability, usefulness, and credibility. The intervention group showed slight increases in the use of evidence-based information, critical appraisal skills, and participation compared to the group receiving no intervention, but these differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionDespite the fact that the study was underpowered, we found that the web portal may have a positive effect on attitudes towards searching for health information. Furthermore, participants considered the web portal to be a relevant tool. It is important to continue experimenting with web-based resources in order to increase user participation in health care decision-making.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01266798

Knowledge translation to fitness trainers: a systematic review.

BackgroundThis study investigates approaches for translating evidence-based knowledge for use by fitness trainers. Specific questions were: Where do fitness trainers get their evidence-based information? What types of interventions are effective for translating evidence-based knowledge for use by fitness trainers? What are the barriers and facilitators to the use of evidence-based information by fitness trainers in their practice?MethodsWe describe a systematic review of studies about knowledge translation interventions targeting fitness trainers. Fitness trainers were defined as individuals who provide exercise program design and supervision services to the public. Nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, school teachers, athletic trainers, and sport team strength coaches were excluded.ResultsOf 634 citations, two studies were eligible for inclusion: a survey of 325 registered health fitness professionals (66% response rate) and a qualitative study of 10 fitness instructors. Both studies identified that fitness trainers obtain information from textbooks, networking with colleagues, scientific journals, seminars, and mass media. Fitness trainers holding higher levels of education are reported to use evidence-based information sources such as scientific journals compared to those with lower education levels, who were reported to use mass media sources. The studies identified did not evaluate interventions to translate evidence-based knowledge for fitness trainers and did not explore factors influencing uptake of evidence in their practice.ConclusionLittle is known about how fitness trainers obtain and incorporate new evidence-based knowledge into their practice. Further exploration and specific research is needed to better understand how emerging health-fitness evidence can be translated to maximize its use by fitness trainers providing services to the general public.

Barrieren der Hausärzte gegen Evidenzbasierte Medizin – ein Verständnisproblem? Eine qualitative Studie mit Hausärzten

The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is a framework for the structured care of patients with chronic conditions. It requires access of both physicians and patients to scientific evidence in order to facilitate shared treatment decision-making on the basis of the patient's individual needs and the best available external evidence. The aim of this study was to find out whether general practitioners (GP) actually make use of evidence-based information and guidelines and whether and how they communicate this information to their patients. We interviewed 14 general practitioners and conducted a content analysis. The majority of these GPs take a sceptical view towards evidence-based guidelines. Their main point of criticism is that guidelines disregard the individual patient's reality and life style. Instead, GPs emphasize the relevance of their own knowledge of the personal and medical history of and the continual care for their patients. Since GPs themselves often do not accept guidelines, they seldom impart their content to their patients. According to the GPs' experience there are contradictions between guideline-conformant therapy and individual treatment. The integrative character of evidence-based medicine is not recognized. The reason is that evidence-based medicine is equated with guidelines and trial results by the majority of the GPs interviewed. To facilitate guideline implementation in everyday practice GPs need to be provided with adequate access to scientific evidence and an understanding of the intentions of guidelines. If the doctors themselves do not accept guidelines, they will not share them with their patients. It must be made clear that guidelines are not intended as normative demands for a specific therapy for every patient, but are rather meant to assist the physician with his struggle for the best therapy for individual patients.

McMaster PLUS: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial of an Intervention to Accelerate Clinical Use of Evidence-based Information from Digital Libraries

BackgroundPhysicians have difficulty keeping up with new evidence from medical research. MethodsWe developed the McMaster Premium LiteratUre Service (PLUS), an internet-based addition to an existing digital library, which delivered quality- and relevance-rated medical literature to physicians, matched to their clinical disciplines. We evaluated PLUS in a cluster-randomized trial of 203 participating physicians in Northern Ontario, comparing a Full-Serve version (that included alerts to new articles and a cumulative database of alerts) with a Self-Serve version (that included a passive guide to evidence-based literature). Utilization of the service was the primary trial end-point. ResultsMean logins to the library rose by 0.77 logins/month/user (95% CI 0.43, 1.11) in the Full-Serve group compared with the Self-Serve group. The proportion of Full-Serve participants who utilized the service during each month of the study period showed a sustained increase during the intervention period, with a relative increase of 57% (95% CI 12, 123) compared with the Self-Serve group. There were no differences in these proportions during the baseline period, and following the crossover of the Self-Serve group to Full-Serve, the Self-Serve group’s usage became indistinguishable from that of the Full-Serve group (relative difference 4.4 (95% CI −23.7, 43.0). Also during the intervention and crossover periods, measures of self-reported usefulness did not show a difference between the 2 groups. ConclusionA quality- and relevance-rated online literature service increased the utilization of evidence-based information from a digital library by practicing physicians.

Evidence-Based Decision Making: Global Evidence, Local Decisions

Variations in health care services have been well documented worldwide. The result is that increased health care spending is not uniformly associated with improved health. Interest in increasing the value obtained from health care investments has stimulated efforts to develop the best science and apply it to health care delivery. Advances in communications and information technology have made such developments of the scientific basis for health care a truly global enterprise, but its application must remain local. Consumers' use of evidence-based information to choose providers, make treatment decisions, and play a more active role represents the ultimate local application of scientific information.

Closing the Gap Between Research and Clinical Practice

Evidence-based practice and the application of research findings to practice is a major focus of attention in health care today. The quantification of variations in service delivery and the economic implications of these variations contribute to the pressure on clinicians to provide evidence-based care whenever possible. Awareness of the development of evidence-based practice (EBP), the need for EBP, factors that affect EBP, the methods used to translate research into practice, EBP quality indicators, barriers to EBP, and benefits of EBP will assist clinicians in the effective use of evidence-based information in the care of their patients.