title: Dissemination and implementation of an educational tool for veterans on complementary and alternative medicine: a case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We developed and disseminated an educational DVD to introduce U.S. Veterans to independently-practiced complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques and encourage CAM experimentation. The project's goal was to determine optimal dissemination methods to facilitate implementation within the Veteran's Health Administration.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the first phase, the DVD was disseminated using four methods: passive, provider-mediated, active, and peer-mediated. In the second, implementation phase, "champion" providers who supported CAM integrated dissemination into clinical practice. Qualitative data came from Veteran focus groups and semi-structured provider interviews. Data from both phases was triangulated to identify common themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Effective dissemination requires engaging patients. Providers who most successfully integrated the DVD into practice already had CAM knowledge, and worked in settings where CAM was accepted clinical practice, or with leadership or infrastructure that supported a culture of CAM use. Institutional buy-in allowed for provider networking and effective implementation of the tool. Providers were given autonomy to determine the most appropriate dissemination strategies, which increased enthusiasm and use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many of the lessons learned from this project can be applied to dissemination of any new educational tool within a healthcare setting. Results reiterate the importance of utilizing best practices for introducing educational tools within the healthcare context and the need for thoughtful, multi-faceted dissemination strategies.
authors: VA New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange, NJ, USA. rfheld@gmail.com.
authors: Rachel Forster
authors: RF
authors: Held
authors: VA New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange, NJ, USA.
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Santos
authors: VA New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange, NJ, USA.
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Marki
authors: VA New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange, NJ, USA.|Department of Medicine, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
authors: Drew
authors: D
authors: Helmer
mesh_terms: D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014728:Veterans / Q000193:education*