| Learning Objective #1: Describe the process for completing a systematic literature review of the effectiveness of public health interventions | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Explain the importance of using evidence-based literature in decision-making at the policy and program planning and implementation levels of public health nursing practice |
Objective: The mandate of this project is to provide the research evidence for directing the Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines (MHPSG) for the Public Health Branch of the Province of Ontario. The objective of this paper is to describe the process and results of systematic literature reviews of the effectiveness of public health nursing interventions.
Design: Topics for review are selected based on the MHPSG and a regular survey of all 37 Ontario health departments. A Review Group of four to six members is convened, with at least one methodology expert and one content expert. Review group members assess studies for relevance and methodological rigor.
Methods: The research question is refined by identifying the population of interest, the intervention being evaluated, and the relevant outcomes. Designs eligible for study inclusion in a review usually require a comparison group. Comprehensive literature searches include at least six electronic databases. Relevant peer-reviewed journals are hand searched. Two reviewers independently assess all retrieved articles for relevance. Discrepancies are resolved through consensus. Two independent reviewers independently assess all relevant articles for methodological rigor using a standardized instrument with six criteria. Again, discrepancies are resolved through consensus. Data are extracted from the strong and moderate studies and synthesized into a narrative summary. Final reports and two page summary statements are disseminated to Public Health Units in Ontario and others. They are also available electronically.
Findings: Twenty-three reviews have been completed to date. The results of some of these will be described during the presentation.
Conclusions: The results have been used in updating the MHPSG, and in a variety of program planning activities. They have also been used nationally and internationally.
Implications: Although research evidence is not the only variable considered in policy or program decision-making, these results have assured that valid research evidence is available.
Back to Evidence-Based Practice
Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003