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Knowledge translation and implementation in spinal cord injury: a systematic review
V K Noonan1, D L Wolfe2, N P Thorogood3
11] Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada [2] Rick Hansen Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Spinal Cord
|May 7, 2014
Summary
Knowledge translation (KT) interventions show promise in improving spinal cord injury (SCI) care by changing clinician behavior and patient outcomes. Further research with rigorous methods is needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Clinical Practice Improvement
- Knowledge Translation
Background:
- Effective knowledge translation (KT) is crucial for implementing evidence-based practices in healthcare.
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) care requires continuous improvement through updated clinical practices.
- The impact of KT interventions in SCI care remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effectiveness of KT interventions in modifying clinical practice and patient outcomes within SCI care.
- To identify facilitators and barriers associated with implementing KT interventions in this population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of major biomedical databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO) was conducted for studies from 1980 to 2012.
- Studies reporting implemented KT interventions in SCI care and evaluating their impact on clinician behavior and patient outcomes were reviewed.
- Data on intervention types, implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers were extracted and summarized.
Main Results:
- Ten studies, derived from 13 articles, investigated KT interventions such as care protocols, clinician education, and outcome measure integration.
- Implementation facilitators included training sessions, computerized reminders, and leadership involvement, while communication and resources were key factors.
- Despite poor methodological quality in most studies, statistically significant improvements in clinician behavior (3/3 studies) and patient outcomes (4/6 studies) were reported.
Conclusions:
- The evidence base for KT interventions in SCI care is limited but suggests potential benefits for practice and patient outcomes.
- Effective implementation strategies involve multifaceted approaches including education, technology, and organizational support.
- Future research must employ rigorous methodologies to robustly evaluate the impact of KT interventions in SCI.
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