title: A knowledge transfer study of the utility of the nova scotia seniors' mental health network in implementing seniors' mental health national guidelines.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH) developed national best-practice guidelines in seniors' mental health. Promoting adoption of new guidelines is challenging, as paper dissemination alone has limited impact on practice change.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We hypothesized that the existing knowledge transfer (KT) mechanisms of the Nova Scotia Seniors' Mental Health Network would prove useful in transferring the CCSMH best-practice guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this observational KT study, CCSMH best-practice guidelines were delivered through two interactive, case-based teaching modules on Depression & Suicide, and Delirium via a provincial tele-education program and local face-to-face sessions. Usefulness of KT was measured using self-report evaluations of material quality and learning. Evaluation results from the two session topics and from tele-education versus face-to-face sessions were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sessions were well attended (N = 347), with a high evaluation return rate (287, 83%). Most participants reported enhanced knowledge in seniors' mental health and intended to apply knowledge to practice. Ratings did not differ significantly between KT session topics or modes of delivery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The KT mechanisms of a provincial seniors' mental health network facilitated knowledge acquisition and the intention of using national guidelines on seniors' mental health among Nova Scotian clinicians. Key elements of accelerating KT used in this initiative are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bosma
authors.forename: Keri-Leigh
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cassidy
authors.forename: J Kenneth
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Le Clair
authors.forename: Sherri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Helsdingen
authors.forename: Pratima
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Devichand