Application of the replicating effective programs framework to design a COPD training program.

Area of Science:

• Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Science
• Healthcare Training and Education
• Evidence-Based Practice Adoption

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading global cause of death and a significant driver of hospital readmissions in the US.
• Integrating evidence-based best practices into routine clinical management of COPD remains a persistent challenge for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) science principles to design, implement, and evaluate an interprofessional training program for COPD management.
• To assess the impact of the D&I-informed training on clinician confidence and the enactment of critical COPD management service components.

Main Methods:

• A prospective mixed-methods evaluation utilizing a D&I science model to develop and implement a web-based training program.
• Pre- and post-training questionnaires and profession-specific focus groups were used to assess changes in trainee confidence and practice.
• The training program was designed using a D&I framework focused on replicating effective programs.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in 77% of survey items assessing trainee confidence and enactment of COPD management practices.
• Focus group data confirmed enhanced practitioner confidence in their roles within the COPD service.
• Areas for enhancement, including video modeling and supplementary materials, were identified.

Conclusions:

• Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) science offers a valuable framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating training packages to spread best practices in healthcare.
• This case study demonstrates the successful application of D&I science to improve COPD management training and potentially enhance its spread across health systems.