Putting weight-related conversations into practice: Lessons learned from implementing a knowledge translation...

Area of Science:

• Knowledge Translation
• Healthcare Communication
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Healthcare providers (HCPs) face challenges discussing weight with children with disabilities and their families.
• A knowledge translation (KT) casebook was developed to provide communication principles and resources.
• Implementation of this KT casebook within a disability context was explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and integrate needs-based implementation supports for the KT casebook.
• To foster the uptake of KT casebook communication principles in a pediatric rehabilitation setting.

Main Methods:

• Recruited nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, and physical therapists from a Canadian pediatric rehabilitation hospital.
• Used the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify barriers to weight-related conversations.
• Developed and implemented strategies including workshops, simulations, printed materials, and communication plans.

Main Results:

• Ten HCPs implemented the KT casebook over six months.
• Participants found the workshop clear but preferred abbreviated printed materials.
• Implementation supports for community building were unsuccessful; confidence in practice integration did not increase.
• Competing clinical demands and the COVID-19 pandemic impacted implementation.

Conclusions:

• Organizational and environmental context changes limited implementation success despite positive feedback on the casebook.
• Continuous monitoring and adaptation of implementation strategies are crucial for success.
• Effective implementation requires addressing contextual factors alongside the intervention itself.