Dr Tilley Pain1,2, Dr Emily Saurman3, Dr Amy Brown1,2, Dr Gail Kingston1,2, Dr Stephen Perks1,2
1Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Australia, 2James Cook University, Townsville, Australia, 3University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Abstract:
Purpose of the research:
Allied health researchers at a regional Australian public hospital and health service have developed a one-page document to describe clinical practice change from research. The document was named Evidence Brief (EB) and defines the clinical problem, summarises the evidence and describes the solution. The EB was evaluated to determine whether it can be a metric for research translation.
Nature and scope of the topic:
A multiple case study design was used for the evaluation. Four cases were chosen, and each case was investigated via document review, including the EB itself, published journal articles, policies, or guidelines, plus semi-structured interviews conducted with relevant stakeholders. Analysis was conducted in four stages: case context and description, within-case analysis, cross-case analysis and interpretation and evaluation using thematic analysis.
Issue or problem under consideration:
Results confirmed the practice change occurred, rationale and evidence for change, and instigator and enablers of change. Cross-case analysis identified commonalities such as an expanded scope of practice, clinician-led change, and the inclusion of salient stakeholders to ensure that translation occurred. Differences included the timing of funding and the reach of change.
Outcomes of the conclusion:
EBs effectively communicate practice change. Each EB describes a unit of change resulting from research or quality improvement projects, suggesting its usefulness as a measure of change. A modified version of the EB is proposed as a starting point for future impact assessments to measure longer-term impacts.