Decision-to-Implement Worksheet for Evidence-based Interventions: From the WWAMI Region Practice and Research Network

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Clinical Practice Improvement
• Evidence-Based Practice Adoption

Background:

• Many health discoveries are not used in clinical practice post-publication.
• Primary care clinicians need tools to evaluate recommended interventions for implementation.
• Bridging the gap between research and practice is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test an assessment tool for primary care practices.
• To guide decision-making on implementing evidence-based interventions.
• To evaluate the suitability of interventions for primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized dissemination and implementation theory.
• Developed a worksheet to guide intervention suitability assessment.
• Tested the tool with primary care practice-based research network members rating 4 interventions.

Main Results:

• Median likelihood of implementation ranged from 2 to 3.5 (scale 1-5).
• Intervention characteristics associated with higher implementation likelihood: simplicity, testability, and modifiability.
• Worksheet prompts on modifiability and relevance were found particularly helpful.

Conclusions:

• The Decision-to-Implement Worksheet is a novel resource for primary care.
• It aids practices in assessing intervention suitability for adoption or adaptation.
• The tool supports tailoring interventions to specific practice needs and patient populations.