Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a structured strategy for the implementation of a Best Practice Information Sheet (BPIS) relating to wound care.

Design: This study was undertaken in the clinical setting using a cluster randomised controlled design.

Sample and setting: Hospital and community facilities (n=20) that expressed an interest to participate in the study were included. Patients were included if they had a grade 2 or 3 acute or chronic wound. Patients who were immuno-suppressed, had skin grafts, skin-graft donor sites, wounds with a sinus where the base was not visible, grade 1 or grade 4 wounds and burns were excluded.

Method: Facilities were randomised to one of two groups using a random numbers table. Facilities randomised to the intervention group received an intervention package (consisting of strategies for implementing guidelines and overcoming barriers to change) and intensive education regarding its implementation. Those facilities randomised to the control group received only the BPIS. Data collection will be undertaken five months following the intervention, using a data collection tool specifically developed and piloted for the research project. Data collected will include patient and wound demographics, medical and surgical history, the type and volume of solution used, and the method used to cleanse wounds.

Findings: The results will be analysed using SPSS 10.0 to determine if there is a difference between the intervention and the control group in compliance to the recommendations from the BPIS.

Implications: The outcomes of this study will provide evidence to inform clinicians and administrators of a strategy to implement evidence based guidelines in clinical practice.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004