Cluster randomized trial of an active, multifaceted information dissemination intervention based on The WHO Reproductive health library to change obstetric practices: methods and design issues [ISRCTN14055385].
BACKGROUND
Effective strategies for implementing best practices in low and middle income countries are needed. RHL is an annually updated electronic publication containing Cochrane systematic reviews, commentaries and practical recommendations on how to implement evidence-based practices. We are conducting a trial to evaluate the improvement in obstetric practices using an active dissemination strategy to promote uptake of recommendations in The WHO Reproductive Health Library (RHL).


METHODS
A cluster randomized trial to improve obstetric practices in 40 hospitals in Mexico and Thailand is conducted. The trial uses a stratified random allocation based on country, size and type of hospitals. The core intervention consists of three interactive workshops delivered over a period of six months. The main outcome measures are changes in clinical practices that are recommended in RHL measured approximately a year after the first workshop.


RESULTS
The design and implementation of a complex intervention using a cluster randomized trial design are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Designing the intervention, choosing outcome variables and implementing the protocol in two diverse settings has been a time-consuming and challenging process. We hope that sharing this experience will help others planning similar projects and improve our ability to implement change.
Gülmezoglu
A Metin
AM
UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme on Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. gulmezoglum@who.int
Villar
José
J
Grimshaw
Jeremy
J
Piaggio
Gilda
G
Lumbiganon
Pisake
P
Langer
Ana
A
D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008800:Mexico; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D018456:Reproductive Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012107:Research Design; D013785:Thailand; D014944:World Health Organization