Development of an Instrument to Assess the Perceived Effectiveness of Academic Detailing.

INTRODUCTION: Academic detailing (AD) is an effective, evidence-based education outreach method of promoting clinician behavior change. Detailer feedback is important for program evaluation but is rarely systematically collected. The study's objective was to develop a measure capturing the detailer's perception of the effectiveness of an AD program. METHODS: A six-item measure with a five-level scale was initially developed from the literature review and expert panel consultation. Item constructs were usefulness, acceptability, feasibility, relevance, effectiveness of communication, and readiness to change. The measure was piloted, refined, and tested during an opioid-focused AD program that included two visits. The instrument structure was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis, measure reliability was assessed using item-item correlation (rho), corrected item-total correlation, Cronbach alpha (α), and item response theory. RESULTS: The initial six-item instrument demonstrated unidimensionality. The Cronbach α for the measure was 0.74 (visit 1) and 0.79 (visit 2); one item (relevance) was redundant (α = 0.73 and 0.79 when deleted) and therefore dropped. Items related to usefulness, acceptability, and readiness to change displayed high item-item correlation (rho ≥ 0.50) and contributed the most information and seemed to operate as a single scale (ie, "likelihood to change") based on item response theory analysis. Items related to feasibility and communication were slightly different constructs and should be reported separately. DISCUSSION: The five-item detailer assessment of visit effectiveness (the "DAVE") instrument provides a standardized approach to assess AD. Further study of its validity and broader use in other programs and educational outreach activities is encouraged.

Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, September 2020.

An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of "spin" in scientific reporting and its effect on summaries and syntheses of the literature and commentaries on reviews about early versus late amniotomy as part of labor induction protocols and the economic burden associated with maternal morbidity.

Development of an Innovative Tool to Appraise Big Data for Best Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Datum from electronic sources has accumulated and resulted in the establishment of big data and data science. Big data consists of data sets that are larger than traditional data processing applications can manage. Data science is the research method used to analyze big data. Researchers are applying research methods to harness large and complex data sets to increase our understanding of population health by creating predictive models of patients using a variety of key variables or characteristics. Evidence-based practice relies on the appraisal of research to ensure rigor prior to implementation in clinical settings. Consistent with other research methods, papers based on data science should be subject to appraisal for determination of best evidence. The purpose of this paper is to present a tool that can be used to appraise research papers based on large data sets and data science research methods. METHODS: The following approach was used to develop the Data Science Appraisal Tool (DSAT). Despite an exhaustive search, we were unable to locate an appraisal tool for papers based on data science research methods. We then synthesized the extant literature to form the tool. The tool is based on the common characteristics of big data: (a) verification that the data set is representative of big data; (b) preparation of the data for analysis; (c) methodology used for data analysis; (d) results; and (e) theoretically based. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Appraisal tools currently exist for traditional and well-known research methods. The DSAT provides a method to appraise papers based in data science for best evidence.

How to translate scientific knowledge into practice? Concepts, models and application.

OBJECTIVES: to present the concept of Knowledge Translation and Exchange as it has been used in the international literature and in Canada, particularly. Next, to describe a renowned conceptual model to guide its implementation, entitled Knowledge-to-Action Cycle. RESULTS: we described the use of the model in the context of the municipal primary health care system in southern Brazil for the implementation of pain management strategies during vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: in this theoretical reflection, we argue that in order to promote health equity and quality of care in the Unified Health System (Brazilian SUS) it is important to translate scientific knowledge to various practice settings and create opportunities for exchange with users of this knowledge, such as health professionals, managers, policy makers, patients, family members and other stakeholders.

Using Nonparticipant Observation as a Method to Understand Implementation Context in Evidence-Based Practice.

BACKGROUND: The uptake of evidence-based knowledge in practice is influenced by context. Observations are suggested as a valuable but under-used approach in implementation research for gaining a holistic understanding of contexts. AIM: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how data from observations can provide insights about context and evidence use in implementation research. METHODS: Data were collected over 24 months in a randomised trial with an embedded realist evaluation in 24 nursing homes across four European countries; notes from 183 observations (representing 335 hours) were triangulated with interview transcripts and context survey data (from 357 staff interviews and 725 questionnaire responses, respectively). RESULTS: Although there were similarities in several elements of context within survey, interview and observation data, the observations provided additional features of the implementation context. In particular, observations demonstrated if and how the resources (staffing and supplies) and leadership (formal and informal, teamwork, and professional autonomy) affected knowledge use and implementation. Further, the observations illuminated the influence of standards and the physical nursing environment on evidence-based practice, and the dynamic interaction between different aspects of context. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Although qualitative observations are resource-intensive, they add value when used with other data collection methods, further enlightening the understanding of the implementation context and how evidence use and sharing are influenced by context elements. Observations can enhance an understanding of the context, evidence use and knowledge-sharing triad in implementation research.

Prácticas de prevención y control de infecciones para la atención de pacientes en establecimientos no tradicionales con énfasis en la enfermedad por coronavirus del 2019 (COVID-19) / Infection prevention and control practices for patient care in non-traditional establishments with an emphasis on 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Formular recomendaciones acerca de las prácticas de prevención y control de infecciones (PCI) para la atención de pacientes en establecimientos no tradicionales en el contexto de la enfermedad por coronavirus de l 2019 (COVID-19)

Evaluating the Implementation of a Multi-Component Intervention to Prevent Surgical Site Infection and Promote Evidence-Based Practice.

BACKGROUND: Published clinical practice guidelines on surgical site infection prevention are available; however, adherence to these guidelines remains suboptimal. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and perceived benefits of intervention and implementation strategies co-created by researchers and clinicians to prevent surgical site infections. METHODS: This mixed-method evaluation study involved an audit of nurses' wound care practices, followed by focus group and individual interviews to understand the perceived benefits of the intervention and implementation strategies. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to compare post-intervention audit data with baseline results. Deductive and inductive content analyses were undertaken on the qualitative data. RESULTS: The audit showed improvements in using aseptic technique and wound care documentation practices following intervention implementation. Nurses perceived the change champion as effective in role-modelling good practice. Education strategies including a poster and using a scenario-based quiz were viewed as easy to understand and helpful for nurses to apply aseptic technique in practice. The instructions and education conducted to improve documentation were considered important in the success of the Wound Care Template implementation. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The integrated knowledge translation approach used in this study ensured the intervention and the implementation strategies employed were appropriate and meaningful for clinicians. Such strategies may be used in other intervention studies. The change champion played an important role in driving change and acted as a vital partner during the co-creation and the implementation processes. Ongoing education, audit and feedback became integrated in the ward nurses' routine practice, which has the potential to continuously improve and sustain evidence-based practice.

Cross-sectional study of surgical quality with a novel evidence-based tool for low-resource settings.

BACKGROUND: Adverse events from surgical care are a major cause of death and disability, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Metrics for quality of surgical care developed in high-income settings are resource-intensive and inappropriate in most lower resource settings. The purpose of this study was to apply and assess the feasibility of a new tool to measure surgical quality in resource-constrained settings. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of surgical quality using a novel evidence-based tool for quality measurement in low-resource settings. The tool was adapted for use at a tertiary hospital in Amazonas, Brazil resulting in 14 metrics of quality of care. Nine metrics were collected prospectively during a 4-week period, while five were collected retrospectively from the hospital administrative data and operating room logbooks. RESULTS: 183 surgeries were observed, 125 patient questionnaires were administered and patient charts for 1 year were reviewed. All metrics were successfully collected. The study site met the proposed targets for timely process (7 hours from admission to surgery) and effective outcome (3% readmission rate). Other indicators results were equitable structure (1.1 median patient income to catchment population) and equitable outcome (2.5% at risk of catastrophic expenditure), safe outcome (2.6% perioperative mortality rate) and effective structure (fully qualified surgeon present 98% of cases). CONCLUSION: It is feasible to apply a novel surgical quality measurement tool in resource-limited settings. Prospective collection of all metrics integrated within existing hospital structures is recommended. Further applications of the tool will allow the metrics and targets to be refined and weighted to better guide surgical quality improvement measures.

Drivers of Preference for Evidence-Based PTSD Treatment: A Qualitative Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health treatment utilization among persons with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to be low but may be improved by aligning treatment with patient preferences. Our objective was to characterize the reasons that drive a person's selection of a specific evidence-based PTSD treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected using an online survey of adults who screened positive for PTSD. Participants viewed descriptions of five evidence-based PTSD treatments (cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, stress inoculation training, antidepressant medication) and identified their most preferred treatment. Participants then explained why they selected their top choice. These free-text responses (n = 249) were analyzed using thematic coding and constant comparative methods. RESULTS: Identified themes included (1) perceived effectiveness, (2) perceived suitability, (3) requirements of participation, (4) familiarity with the modality, (5) perception of the option as 'better than alternatives,' (6) perception of the option as 'not harmful,' (7) accessibility, and (8) delivery format. Differences in themes were also examined by treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: By highlighting which pieces of information may be most important to detail when presenting different treatment options, these results can help guide treatment planning conversations, as well as the development of shared decision-making tools.

Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, March 2020.

An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of the concept of overdiagnosis and implications for research and commentaries on reviews focused on exogenous progestogen to maintain pregnancies and cancer risk among children conceived using fertility treatments.

Dental Care and the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Precautionary Principle and the Best Available Evidence

Abstract The precautionary principle is part of evidence-based healthcare and is used both preventively and therapeutically when there is no available evidence about how to manage problems/diseases/conditions that are especially life-threatening. However, since it is not always based in the most qualified evidence, it is frequently questioned. The emergence of a highly contagious disease, with increased levels of morbimortality, an acute respiratory syndrome, the so called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), led health professionals to look for the best alternatives to save lives. In this sense, the precautionary principle was evocated. The aim of this paper is to make a reflection about the precautionary principle, the dental profession and COVID-19. It is important to have in mind that in such a disease, guidelines, protocols and approaches can change very fast, since a continuous evaluation of all policies is mandatory. During the pandemic, elective procedures may be restricted, but international organizations removed the recommendation to postpone elective procedures. Clinicians are advised to be updated about their local current policies. On the other hand, there are cases in which in-office dental care is unavoidable, such as individuals with pain, spontaneous bleeding and dental trauma. Biosafety is upmost importance when seeking patients during pandemic. In this sense, it was concluded that precautionary principle should be, therefore, used. However, caution needs to be taken and continuous surveillance necessary.

How to translate scientific knowledge into practice? Concepts, models and application / ¿Cómo traducir el conocimiento científico a la práctica? Conceptos, modelos y aplicación / Como traduzir o conhecimento científico à prática? Conceitos, modelos e aplicação

ABSTRACT Objectives: to present the concept of Knowledge Translation and Exchange as it has been used in the international literature and in Canada, particularly. Next, to describe a renowned conceptual model to guide its implementation, entitled Knowledge-to-Action Cycle. Results: we described the use of the model in the context of the municipal primary health care system in southern Brazil for the implementation of pain management strategies during vaccination. Conclusions: in this theoretical reflection, we argue that in order to promote health equity and quality of care in the Unified Health System (Brazilian SUS) it is important to translate scientific knowledge to various practice settings and create opportunities for exchange with users of this knowledge, such as health professionals, managers, policy makers, patients, family members and other stakeholders.

RESUMEN Objetivos: presentar el concepto de Traducción e Intercambio de Conocimiento tal como se ha utilizado en la literatura internacional y, en particular, en Canadá. A continuación, describir un modelo conceptual reconocido para guiar su implementación, titulado Ciclo del Conocimiento a la Acción. Resultados: ilustramos el uso del modelo en el contexto del sistema municipal de atención primaria de salud en el sur de Brasil para implementar estrategias de manejo del dolor durante la vacunación. Conclusiones: en esta reflexión teórica, argumentamos sobre la importancia de traducir el conocimiento científico a los diversos contextos de práctica y de crear oportunidades de intercambio con los usuarios de este conocimiento, como profesionales sanitarios, gerentes, formuladores de políticas públicas, pacientes, familias y otros grupos de interés para promover la equidad y la calidad de los cuidados en el Sistema Único de Salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: apresentar o conceito de Tradução e Intercâmbio do Conhecimento tal como vem sendo utilizado na literatura internacional e, em particular, no Canadá. A seguir, descrever um renomado modelo conceitual para orientar a sua implementação, intitulado Ciclo do Conhecimento à Ação. Resultados: ilustramos a utilização do modelo no contexto do sistema municipal de atenção básica à saúde no sul do Brasil, na implementação de estratégias de manejo da dor durante a vacinação. Conclusões: nesta reflexão teórica, argumentamos sobre a importância de se traduzir o conhecimento científico aos diversos contextos de prática e criar oportunidades de intercâmbio com os usuários desse saber, como profissionais de saúde, gestores, formuladores de políticas públicas, pacientes, familiares e demais grupos de interesse, para promover equidade e qualidade dos cuidados no Sistema Único de Saúde.

Reliability, Validity, and Factor Structure of the Current Assessment Practice Evaluation-Revised (CAPER) in a National Sample.

Measurement-based care (MBC) is an increasingly popular, evidence-based practice, but there are no tools with established psychometrics to evaluate clinician use of MBC practices in mental health service delivery. The current study evaluated the reliability, validity, and factor structure of scores generated from a brief, standardized tool to measure MBC practices, the Current Assessment Practice Evaluation-Revised (CAPER). Survey data from a national sample of 479 mental health clinicians were used to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability and validity analyses (e.g., relationships between CAPER subscales and clinician MBC attitudes). Analyses revealed competing two- and three-factor models. Regardless of the model used, scores from CAPER subscales demonstrated good reliability and convergent and divergent validity with MBC attitudes in the expected directions. The CAPER appears to be a psychometrically sound tool for assessing clinician MBC practices. Future directions for development and application of the tool are discussed.

A review of the role of nurse leadership in promoting and sustaining evidence-based practice.

AIM: This integrative review aims to explore how nursing leadership influences evidence-based practice in contemporary health care settings. BACKGROUND: Although managers and environmental ward culture have long been identified as being among the main barriers to evidence-based practice, there is little overall conceptualization and understanding of the specific role of nurse leaders in directly influencing and supporting this. EVALUATION: The team carried out an integrative literature review (n = 28) utilizing PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (2006-2016). KEY ISSUES: The key role of leadership, the methodology used, and understanding and addressing barriers to or facilitators of the implementation of evidence-based practice emerged as key issues. CONCLUSION: Nurse managers have a particular influential role on the implementation of evidence-based practice in terms of providing a supportive culture and environment. For this they need to have an underlying knowledge but also to be aware of and address barriers to implementation, and understand the key role of nurse managers in creating and supporting the optimum environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers need to facilitate and enhance nurses' use of evidence-based practice. Both managers and nurses need to have the necessary academic preparation, support and resources required for practising using an evidence base.