Getting evidence into practice: Implementing a behavioural joint protection education programme for people with rheumatoid arthritis

Hammond, A; Klompenhouwer, P

Abstract

Researchers must disseminate their research findings, but this alone is often insufficient to change practice. To improve research implementation by rheumatology occupational therapists, a 2-day training course for changing joint protection practice was developed. This aimed to improve understanding of joint protection, patient education and health behaviour research; develop skills in delivering a group joint protection programme; and reduce potential barriers to changing practice. To evaluate the course's effectiveness, a postal survey with attendees was conducted. Of the 48 respondents, 45 subsequently changed individual patient education practice; 13 implemented the group programme, 25 contemplated doing so and 10 did not (precontemplators). The implementers and contemplators rated the joint protection programme as significantly more effective (p = 0.02) and relevant (p = 0.001) in practice than the precontemplators. The barriers to change were limited staffing, access to facilities, time to make practice changes, funding for programme costs and clinical time to deliver the programme. The implementers considered that supportive managers and teams helped to overcome these. Changing practice needs clinicians, researchers and managers to work together. This research implementation strategy helped most of the participating clinicians to make practice changes that were readily within their control (that is, individual patient education). Group education requires greater organisational change and manager support is important to facilitate this.

Citation

Hammond, A., & Klompenhouwer, P. (2005). Getting evidence into practice: Implementing a behavioural joint protection education programme for people with rheumatoid arthritis. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(1), 25-33

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Oct 29, 2010
• Journal: The British Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Print ISSN: 0308-0226
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 68
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 25-33
• Publisher URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cot/bjot/2005/00000068/00000001/art00005