The impact of a unique knowledge translation programme implemented in a large multisite paediatric hospital.
OBJECTIVE
Physical therapists (PTs) display positive attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP), and implementing it can improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. However, barriers can lead to inconsistent use of EBP. The objectives of this manuscript are to (i) describe the initiation and revisions to a knowledge translation (KT) programme, (ii) assess staff participation in KT, and (iii) evaluate availability, internal use and external dissemination of evidence-based recommendations and research.
The KT programme was implemented in a large paediatric hospital employing 66 PTs who provide services in the inpatient, outpatient developmental and sports and orthopaedics settings in 15 locations.
The KT programme was initiated 9 years ago but underwent improvements over the past 3 years. Five key revisions included the subdivision of the EBP and Research Coordinator positions by area of practice, increasing the structure of the KT programme, implementing strategies to encourage use of local recommendations, obtaining leadership support to emphasize KT and providing staff education.


RESULTS
With the revisions, staff participation in local recommendation development increased from 16.3-68.2%. Research involvement increased from 4.1-50%. The number of local recommendations increased from 1 to 9, and an overall compliance rate of 79% was achieved for the recommendations presented in an algorithm format. External dissemination increased from 1 to 44 for presentations and 0 to 7 for publications.


CONCLUSIONS
Revisions to a KT programme improved PT engagement in KT activities, increased the availability of local recommendations, encouraged use of EBP and increased external dissemination of information.
The Division of Clinical Therapies, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Catie
C
Christensen
The Division of Clinical Therapies, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
David
D
Wessells
The Division of Clinical Therapies, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Michelle
M
Byars
The Division of Clinical Therapies, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
James
J
Marrie
The Division of Clinical Therapies, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Shaun
S
Coffman
The Division of Clinical Therapies, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Erin
E
Gates
The Division of Clinical Therapies, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Mitch
M
Selhorst
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007857:Leadership; D059825:Physical Therapists / Q000523:psychology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*
evidence-based medicine; health care