Practice improvement methods: conceptual base, evidence-based research, and practice-based recommendations.
OBJECTIVE
To provide (1) an overview of the purpose of practice improvement methods and a conceptual base for the relationship between the various practice improvement methods; (2) an evidence-based review of the range of practice improvement methods; and (3) practice-based recommendations.


METHODS
Secondary research design using electronic literature search of PsycINFO database was carried out on eight practice improvement methods (PIMs) and the evidence for effectiveness presented.


RESULTS
There is evidence of effectiveness in changing practice for each of the PIMs reviewed, and for some, there is also evidence of effects on patient outcomes. Each has strengths and weaknesses. However, the stronger conclusion from reviews is that use of multiple PIMs is more likely to impact clinical practice and patient outcomes than use of a single PIM.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of PIMs should concentrate on combination and integration between methods to maximize their effectiveness.
Cape
John
J
Camden & Islington Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK. j.cape@ucl.ac.uk
Barkham
Michael
M
D019992:Databases as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*