Integrating an Evidence-Based Intervention in Clinical Practice: Background

Cheryl Forchuk, RN, PhD, Lawson Health Research Foundation, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada, Willaim Reynolds, PhD, MPhil, RMN, RGN, RNT, Turku Polytechnic, Turku Polytechnic, Salo, Finland, Elsabeth Jensen, RN, MScN, Research, University of Western Ontario/ Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada, Mary- Lou Martin, RN, MScN, Centre for Mountain Health Services, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada, Siobhan Sharkey, PhD, RMN, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Unviersity of Stirling, Inverness, United Kingdom, Susan Ouseley, MEd, Can-Voice, London, ON, Canada, Patricia Sealy, RN, PhD, Chelsey Park Nursing Home, University of Wester Ontario, Department of Sociology, London, ON, Canada, and Georgiana Beal, RN, PhD, CPMHN[C], Administration, The Center for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Design & Sample: This project identifies structures and processes supporting Knowledge Translation. Resulting framework implemented and tested using empirically supported transitional discharge model. Recent studies (Forchuk et al, 2002; Reynolds et al, 2002) support this study. Opportunity exists testing framework associating knowledge translation as transitional discharge model is adapted, or not, in original Ontario control wards (Forchuk et al, 2002), Scottish wards, and two additional Canadian hospitals.

Methods: Focus groups with staff contribute features of Knowledge Translation model. Using a delayed implementation control group design (Fitz-Gibbon & Morris, 1987), wards will be randomly selected to the order in which they will receive implementation strategies. Wards wait to receive strategies, and serve as control. All wards participate in implementing transitional discharge model. Design allows “between ward” and “pre/post intervention” comparisons.

Findings: Primary outcome in degree of intervention implementation. Other quantitative staff measures; staff quality of work life, client functioning, ward stay length, re-admissions.

Implications: Translation of research knowledge is essential to the research process. (CIHR 2002). Ethnographic qualitative analysis describes strategy usefulness and evolving process on wards. Successful strategies are useful across stakeholder groups and different countries.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). (2002). http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/services/funding/institutes/rfa_kts_e.shtml. [Available: August 16, 2002]

Fitz-Gibbon, C.T., & Morris, L. L. (1987). How to design a program evaluation. London: Sage Publications.

Forchuk, C., Hartford, K., Blomqvist, A., Martin, M.L., Chan., Y.L., & Donner, A. (2002). Therapeutic Relationships: From Hospital to Community: First Year Results. Report to the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, Ottawa.

Reynolds, W., Lauder, W., Sharkey, S., MacIver, S., Veitch, T., & Cameron, D. (2002). The Effects of a Transitional Discharge Model for Psychiatric Patients: A Pilot Study. Report to the Chief Scientist Office.