Start | Browse by Day | Author Index | Keyword Index

Evidence-Based Knowledge Transfer through the Use of Technology: Supporting Clients on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)

Tuesday, 13 July 2010: 2:25 PM

Heather McConnell, RN, BScN, MA(Ed)
International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines Programs, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), Toronto, ON, Canada
Irmajean Bajnok, RN, MSN, PhD
International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines Programs, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
Frederick Go, RN, MScN
International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines Program, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to discuss a range of information and communication technologies that can be utilized to support knowledge transfer.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify the benefits of using information and communication technologies in bringing evidence-based knowledge to clinical practice.

Increasingly, healthcare organizations are embracing technology as an innovative medium to support uptake of evidence-based practices. Strategic use of information and communication technologies has the power to facilitate knowledge transfer, further enhancing nurses’ knowledge, skills and competencies and ultimately improving patient outcomes.   In order to assist nurses in better understanding evidence-based strategies in caring for persons with opioid dependency, a provincial nursing association in Canada is utilizing multiple communication technologies to disseminate and support the uptake of practice recommendations outlined in the clinical practice guideline, Supporting Clients on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT). 

In order to meet the demand for evidence-based resources to inform care for this often marginalized patient population, a multi-pronged strategy involving a range of methodologies is being employed to support knowledge transfer.  These include:

  • Interactive webinars to disseminate evidence-based MMT recommendations to the nursing community.
  • An interactive, web-based e-learning program that acts as a self-directed educational resource for nurses regarding the social determinants of health, harm reduction strategies, addictions and caring for clients on MMT.
  • A Virtual Speaker’s Bureau, available online, to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practice experiences by recognized nurse experts in this area of specialty practice.
  • The creation of web-based decision trees for use on Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices to bring evidence and clinical practice support to nurses at the point of care.

Organizations can take advantage of technology to support nurses as knowledge professionals and promote evidence informed practice.  The technological modalities described above can provide opportunities for nurses to gain the knowledge and skill necessary to provide quality care to individuals in MMT.

See more of: Technology in Evidence-Based Nursing
See more of: Evidence-Based Practice Sessions – Oral Paper & Posters