Implementation of evidence-based weekend service recommendations for allied health managers: a cluster randomised controlled trial protocol

AuthorsSarkies, M.N.
White, J.
Morris, M.E.
Taylor, N.F.
Williams, C.
O'Brien, L.
Martin, J.
Bardoel, A.
Holland, A.E.
Carey, L.
Skinner, E.H.
Bowles, K.A.
Grant, K.
Philip, K.
Haines, T.P.
TypeProtocol
JournalImplementation Science
PubMed ID29690882
Year of Publication2018
URLhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29690882
DOI/10.1186/s13012-018-0752-7
Download s13012-018-0752-7.pdf (1.0 MB)
AbstractBACKGROUND: It is widely acknowledged that health policy and practice do not always reflect current research evidence. Whether knowledge transfer from research to practice is more successful when specific implementation approaches are used remains unclear. A model to assist engagement of allied health managers and clinicians with research implementation could involve disseminating evidence-based policy recommendations, along with the use of knowledge brokers. We developed such a model to aid decision-making for the provision of weekend allied health services. This protocol outlines the design and methods for a multi-centre cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the success of research implementation strategies to promote evidence-informed weekend allied health resource allocation decisions, especially in hospital managers. METHODS: This multi-centre study will be a three-group parallel cluster randomised controlled trial. Allied health managers from Australian and New Zealand hospitals will be randomised to receive either (1) an evidence-based policy recommendation document to guide weekend allied health resource allocation decisions, (2) the same policy recommendation document with support from a knowledge broker to help implement weekend allied health policy recommendations, or (3) a usual practice control group. The primary outcome will be alignment of weekend allied health service provision with policy recommendations. This will be measured by the number of allied health service events (occasions of service) occurring on weekends as a proportion of total allied health service events for the relevant hospital wards at baseline and 12-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: Evidence-based policy recommendation documents communicate key research findings in an accessible format. This comparatively low-cost research implementation strategy could be combined with using a knowledge broker to work collaboratively with decision-makers to promote knowledge transfer. The results will assist managers to make decisions on resource allocation, based on evidence. More generally, the findings will inform the development of an allied health model for translating research into practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ( ACTRN12618000029291 ). Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1205-2621.

http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872952


< More publications



CHEST-MND:PROCHEST-MND:PRO

Motor neurone disease (MND) causes the body's muscles to weaken. Breathing muscle weakness means that most people affected by MND will eventually lose the ability to take a deep breath and cough strongly....

Respiratory Biomarkers in Motor Neurone DiseaseRESPIRATORY BIOMARKERS IN MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

The inability to breathe is unfortunately the most common cause of death in people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Last year, our clinical research group in Melbourne reported that breathing...

Recognising research meritRECOGNISING RESEARCH MERIT

Kudos to Dr. Lauren Booker & Dr. Jen Cori on their JOEM publication examining fatigue detection alarms in rural truck drivers. Their study explores the alarms' effectiveness, accuracy, and habituation, offering key insights into fatigue management.

Honoring Excellence in ResearchHONORING EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

Congratulations to Prof. Anne Holland and A/Prof. Narelle Cox for being featured in the NHMRC's 10 of the Best - 16th Edition. Their work exemplifies groundbreaking research delivering extraordinary outcomes.

World Sleep Day on 14th March 2025WORLD SLEEP DAY ON 14TH MARCH 2025

The benefits of quality sleep and to acknowledge the issue of sleep problems and their medical, educational, and social aspects as well as the prevention and management of sleep disorders, is promoted on World Sleep Day on the 14th March 2025.

AMRF Grant Awards for 2025AMRF GRANT AWARDS FOR 2025

Grants Success: The Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS) has received two research grants from the Austin Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) for 2025. Congratulations to Dr Charissa Zaga and Dr Catherine Hill from IBAS.

Institute for Breathing and Sleep

Level 5, Harold Stokes Building, Austin Health
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084

(03) 9496 5390

Email Us

Donate