Understanding practice: the factors that influence management of mild traumatic brain injury in the emergency department--a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Understanding the factors that influence CT utilization for mild traumatic brain injury in a low resource setting - a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Introduction

In low resource settings (LRS), utilization of Computed Tomography scan (CTS) for mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) presents unique challenges and considerations given the limited infrastructure, financial resources, and trained personnel. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) offers a comprehensive theoretical lens to explore factors influencing the decision-making to order CTS for mTBI by imaging referrers (IRs).

Objectives

The primary objective was to explore IRs' beliefs about factors influencing CT utilization in mTBIs using TDF in Uganda.Differences in the factors influencing CTS ordering behavior across specialties, levels of experience, and hospital category were also explored.

Materials and Methods

In-depth semi-structured interviews guided by TDF were conducted among purposively selected IRs from 6 tertiary public and private hospitals with functional CTS services. A thematic analysis was performed with codes and emerging themes developed based on the TDF.

Results

Eleven IRs including medical officers, non-neurosurgeon specialists and neurosurgeons aged on average 42 years (SD+/-12.3 years) participated.Identified factors within skills domain involved IRs' clinical assessment and decision-making abilities, while beliefs about capabilities and consequences encompassed their confidence in diagnostic abilities and perceptions of CTS risks and benefits. The environmental context and resources domain addressed the availability of CT scanners and financial constraints. The knowledge domain elicited IRs' understanding of clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices while social influences considered peer influence and institutional culture. For memory, attention & decision processes domain, IRs adherence to guidelines and intentions to order CT scans were cited.

Conclusion

Using TDF, IRs identified several factors believed to influence decision making to order CTS in mTBI in a LRS. The findings can inform stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and evidence-based interventions to optimize CT utilization in mTBI such as; educational programs, workflow modifications, decision support tools, and infrastructure improvements, among others.

Understanding factors that influence goal setting in rehabilitation for paediatric acquired brain injury: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Background While goal setting with children and their families is considered best practice during rehabilitation following acquired brain injury, its successful implementation in an interdisciplinary team is not straightforward. This paper describes the application of a theoretical framework to understand factors influencing goal setting with children and their families in a large interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. Methods A semi-structured focus group was conducted with rehabilitation clinicians and those with lived experience of paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). The 90-min focus group was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically coded and mapped against the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to understand influencing factors, which were then linked to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour (COM-B) model. Results A total of 11 participants (nine paediatric rehabilitation clinicians, one parent and one young person with lived experience of paediatric ABI) participated in the focus group. Factors influencing collaborative goal setting mapped to the COM-B and six domains of the TDF: Capabilities (Skills, Knowledge, Beliefs about capabilities, and Behavioural regulation), Opportunities (Environmental context and resources), and Motivation (Social/professional role and identity). Results suggest that a multifaceted intervention is needed to enhance rehabilitation clinicians' and families' skills and knowledge of goal setting, restructure the goal communication processes, and clarify the roles clinicians play in goal setting within the interdisciplinary team. Conclusion The use of the TDF and COM-B enabled a systematic approach to understanding the factors influencing goal setting for children with acquired brain injury in a large interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, and develop a targeted, multifaceted intervention for clinical use. These represent important considerations for the improvement of collaborative goal setting in paediatric rehabilitation services to ensure that best practice approaches to goal setting are implemented effectively in clinical practice.

Implementation of activities of daily living retraining for individuals in post-traumatic amnesia

Background Despite evidence of the efficacy of activities of daily living (ADL) retraining during post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), utilisation of this intervention in practice is unclear. Utilising an implementation science framework, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, this study explored efforts to translate ADL retraining during PTA into the clinical practice of occupational therapists (OTs) working in TBI rehabilitation settings across Australia. Methods Participants were 44 OTs who attended a day-long training workshop that included knowledge and skill-based content regarding ADL retraining during PTA. Baseline and post-training ratings were completed including evaluation of workshop utility, and skill and knowledge-based competencies relevant to the intervention. Approximately 2 years later, nine trained OTs and two administrators were interviewed to explore the results of implementing the intervention. Results Overall, the training workshop was rated as being helpful and OT ratings of confidence (P  P   Conclusion Multiple barriers were identified in implementation of ADL retraining during PTA and require consideration to facilitate translation and promote best practice.

Co-designing for behavioural change: understanding barriers and enablers to addressing sexuality after traumatic brain injury and mapping intervention strategies in a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation unit

Background Persistent changes in sexuality often follow traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, health professionals remain reticent about discussing sexuality and have reported barriers including uncertainties around whose role it is and limited educational and institutional support. This study employed a co-design and implementation process, aiming to promote team-wide behavioural change, whereby health professionals at a TBI rehabilitation unit would attempt to address sexuality with patients routinely. Methods Focus group sessions with multidisciplinary health professionals were conducted to identify barriers and enablers to behavioural change, identify areas for development, and co-design intervention options. Implementation deliverables were then finalised and provided to the team. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to map factors influencing behaviours and the Behaviour Change Wheel was used to map interventions. Thematic analysis was used to further analyse barrier themes. Results Thirty-five barriers and eight enablers falling within 12 theoretical domains to behavioural change were identified. Thematic analysis revealed highly correlated barriers in initiating and sustaining change. Nine co-designed intervention options aligned with five intervention functions of the Behaviour Change Wheel, resulting in six final implementation deliverables. Conclusions Barriers were highly interrelated, influencing the approach to implementation deliverables. Simultaneously addressing multiple barriers could potentially alleviate discomfort associated with discussing sexuality. Concerns around initiating change were related to confidence in achieving sustainable changes. Achieving change requires organisational and team-level environmental restructuring and enablement. The next step involves evaluating the effectiveness of the co-design and implementation process in driving behavioural change and potential impacts on patient satisfaction and sexuality outcomes.

A qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) exploring the barriers and facilitators to screening in emergency departments using the theoretical domains framework

BACKGROUND

Validated screening tools can be utilised to detect early disease processes and risk factors for disease and adverse outcomes. Consequently, identifying individuals in need of early intervention and targeted assessment can be achieved through the implementation of screening in the ED. Successful implementation can be impacted by a lack of resources and ineffective integration of screening into the clinical workflow. Tailored implementation processes and staff training, which are contextually specific to the ED setting, are facilitators to effective implementation. This review will assist in the identification of barriers and facilitators to screening in the ED using a QES to underpin implementation processes. Healthcare workers engage in screening in the ED routinely. Consequently, this review focused on synthesizing the experience of healthcare workers (HCWs) who are involved in this process. This synthesis is informed by a QES protocol published by the lead author in 2021 (Barry et al., HRB Open Res 3:50, 2021).

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive literature search, inclusive of grey literature sources, was undertaken. Initially, an a priori framework of themes was formed to facilitate the interpretation and organisation of search results. A context specific conceptual model was then formulated using "Best fit" framework synthesis which further assisted in the interpretation of data that was extracted from relevant studies. Dual blind screening of search results was undertaken using RAYYAN as a platform. Thirty studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Dual appraisal of full text articles was undertaken using CASP, GRADE CERQual assessed confidence of findings and data extraction was performed by two reviewers collaboratively.

FINDINGS

This is the first known synthesis of qualitative research on HCW's experiences of screening in the ED. Predominantly, the findings illustrate that staff experience screening in the ED as a complex challenging process. The barriers and facilitators identified can be broadly categorised under preconditions to screen, motivations to screen and knowledge and skills to screen. Competing interests in the ED, environmental stressors such as overcrowding and an organisational culture that resists screening were clear barriers. Adequate resources and tailored education to underpin the screening process were clear facilitators.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42020188712 05/07/20.

Primary healthcare provider experience of knowledge brokering interventions for mood management

Background

Knowledge brokering is a knowledge translation strategy used in healthcare settings to facilitate the implementation of evidence into practice. How healthcare providers perceive and respond to various knowledge translation approaches is not well understood. This qualitative study used the Theoretical Domains Framework to examine healthcare providers' experiences with receiving one of two knowledge translation strategies: a remote knowledge broker (rKB); or monthly emails, for encouraging delivery of mood management interventions to patients enrolled in a smoking cessation program.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 healthcare providers recruited from primary care teams. We used stratified purposeful sampling to recruit participants who were allocated to receive either the rKB, or a monthly email-based knowledge translation strategy as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Interviews were structured around domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore determinants influencing practice change. Data were coded into relevant domains.

Results

Both knowledge translation strategies were considered helpful prompts to remind participants to deliver mood interventions to patients presenting depressive symptoms. Neither strategy appeared to have influenced the health care providers on the domains we probed. The domains pertaining to knowledge and professional identity were perceived as facilitators to implementation, while domains related to beliefs about consequences, emotion, and environmental context acted as barriers and/or facilitators to healthcare providers implementing mood management interventions.

Conclusion

Both strategies served as reminders and reinforced providers' knowledge regarding the connection between smoking and depressed mood. The TDF can help researchers better understand the influence of specific knowledge translation strategies on healthcare provider behavior change, as well as potential barriers and facilitators to implementation of evidence-informed interventions. Environmental context should be considered to address challenges and facilitate the movement of knowledge into clinical practice.

What Happens Next? Traumatic Brain Injury in the Community

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to substantially impact the lives of millions of people around the world annually. Community-based prevention and support of TBI are particularly challenging and underresearched aspects of TBI management. Ongoing cognitive, emotional, and other effects of TBI are not immediately obvious in community settings such as schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, aged care facilities, and support agencies providing homelessness or domestic violence support. This is compounded by a lack of guidance and support materials designed for nonmedical settings. Connectivity Australia, a not-for-profit organization promoting TBI awareness, research, and support, responded to this need by conducting a national survey and series of roundtables to deepen understanding of TBI awareness, challenges, and support needs across the community. The 48 survey respondents and 22 roundtable participants represented Australian departments of health; correctional services; homelessness and housing; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; community, school, and professional sports; allied healthcare and rehabilitation providers; insurance; and work health and safety. Three key themes were identified: Accessible, nationally consistent plain-language guidelines ; Building research literacy ; and Knowing your role in TBI identification and management . This commentary briefly describes these themes and their implications based on a publicly available full report detailing the study findings ( www.connectivity.org.au/resources-for-researchers/connectivity-research ).

Qualitative study of emergency clinicians to inform a national guideline on the management of children with mild-to-moderate head injuries

BACKGROUND

Head injury is a common reason children present to EDs. Guideline development to improve care for paediatric head injuries should target the information needs of ED clinicians and factors influencing its uptake.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews (November 2017-November 2018) with a stratified purposive sample of ED clinicians from across Australia and New Zealand. We identified clinician information needs, used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore factors influencing the use of head CT and clinical decision rules/guidelines in CT decision-making, and explored ways to improve guideline uptake. Two researchers coded the interview transcripts using thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 43 clinicians (28 doctors, 15 nurses), from 19 hospitals (5 tertiary, 8 suburban, 6 regional/rural) were interviewed. Clinicians sought guidance for scenarios including ED management of infants, children with underlying medical issues, delayed or representations and potential non-accidental injuries. Improvements to the quality and content of discharge communication and parental discussion materials were suggested. Known risks of radiation from head CTs has led to a culture of observation over use of CT in Australasia (TDF domain: beliefs about consequences). Formal and informal policies have resulted in senior clinicians making most head CT decisions in children (TDF domain: behavioural regulation). Senior clinicians consider their gestalt to be more accurate and outperform existing guidance (TDF domain: beliefs about capabilities), although they perceive guidelines as useful for training and supporting junior staff. Summaries, flow charts, publication in ED-specific journals and scripted training materials were suggestions to improve uptake.

CONCLUSION

Information needs of ED clinicians, factors influencing use of head CT in children with head injuries and the role of guidelines were identified. These findings informed the scope and implementation strategies for an Australasian guideline for mild-to-moderate head injuries in children.

Barriers and facilitators to guideline-recommended care of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the ED: a qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework

BACKGROUND

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common presentation to the ED. Evidence suggests low adherence to guideline-recommended care, but the reasons underlying this are poorly understood. This study used the theoretical domains framework (TDF) to explore the barriers and facilitators to medical and physiotherapy clinical practices in the management of BPPV in an Australian metropolitan ED.

METHODS

From May to December 2021, semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 medical staff and 13 physiotherapists who worked at an ED in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews used the TDF to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to the delivery of guideline-recommended assessment and treatment techniques for BPPV. Data were analysed thematically to identify relevant domains and generate themes and belief statements.

RESULTS

Fifteen belief statements representing eight domains of the TDF were identified as key factors in the management of BPPV in the ED. The most prominent domains were knowledge and skills due to their conflicting belief statements between professions concerning education, skill development and self-confidence; memory, attention and decision processes for the perceived complexity of the presentation including difficulty recalling diagnostic and treatment techniques; and environmental context and resources for their shared belief statements concerning time and workload pressures. The availability of vestibular physiotherapy was considered both a barrier and facilitator to the delivery of recommended care by medical staff, but a barrier to independent practice as it unintentionally limited the opportunities for skill development in medical staff.

CONCLUSION

Several modifiable barriers and facilitators to the management of BPPV in the ED have been identified. Differences were observed between the professional groups, and these findings will guide a future intervention to improve the use of guideline-recommended assessment and treatment techniques for BPPV in ED.

Factors influencing health professionals' use of high-flow nasal cannula therapy for infants with bronchiolitis - A qualitative study

Aim

To explore the factors influencing the use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy for infants with bronchiolitis.

Design

Qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews.

Methods

The semi-structured interviews (face-to-face or virtual) were conducted between September 2020 and February 2021. Deductive content analysis was used to map key influencing factors for use of HFNC therapy to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results

Nineteen interviews were undertaken before reaching thematic saturation (7 nurses, 12 doctors) in emergency departments and paediatric wards from four purposively selected hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Influencing factors were mapped to eight domains in the TDF with 21 themes identified. Main findings included: (1) Health professionals' expectations of HFNC therapy on patient deterioration, work of breathing and oxygenation; (2) Staff emotions relating to concern and anxiety about deterioration and "need to do something"; (3) Social influences from other health professionals and parents and (4) Environmental factors relating to logistics of care and patient transfer considerations. These factors, combined with the ready availability of HFNC equipment and health professionals having the required skills to administer the therapy, contributed to its initiation.

Conclusion

Individual/personal and contextual/environmental factors contribute to the use of HFNC therapy for infants with bronchiolitis. It is evident these influences contribute substantially to increased use, despite evidence-based guidelines recommending a more nuanced approach to this therapy. These findings will inform a targeted implementation intervention to promote evidence-based use of HFNC therapy in infants with bronchiolitis.

Factors that influence oral hygiene care with hospitalised stroke patients: a mixed methods study

PURPOSE

Survivors of stroke experience poor oral health during and following hospitalisation. Health professionals consistently report that oral hygiene is complex. Interventions aiming to improve the delivery of oral hygiene care by health professionals rarely use a theoretically driven approach. This study reports the first phase in an intervention development and uses the action, actor, context, target, time (AACTT) framework and theoretical domains framework (TDF) to understand who needs to do what differently in the delivery of oral hygiene care with hospitalised stroke survivors.

METHOD

Mixed methods including analysis of oral health policies and clinical guidelines using the AACTT framework, focus group discussions using the TDF and audit of 60 medical records.

RESULTS

Policies and guidelines lack specificity regarding what oral hygiene care is and who should be responsible. Health professionals have low beliefs in their capabilities and experience numerous contextual barriers. More than 40% of patients had no documented evidence of oral hygiene care.

CONCLUSION

This study used a theoretically driven approach to identify barriers and enablers to health professional delivery of oral hygiene care with stroke survivors. Interventions aiming to improve clinical practice should target beliefs about capabilities, improved access to resources and detailed oral hygiene clinical guidelines.Implications for rehabilitationSurvivors of stroke experience poor oral health which can contribute to further strokes, cardiovascular disease and mortality.Health care professionals report difficulties in delivering oral hygiene care to hospitalised stroke survivors and clinical guidelines lack detail regarding oral health assessments, interventions and training.Interventions aiming to improve the delivery of oral hygiene care should target health professional beliefs about their capabilities using strategies such as behavioural practice.Resources specific to oral hygiene care for more complex patients, including suctioning toothbrushes, should be readily accessible for health professional use.Clinical guidelines and policies on oral hygiene care should include detail about training content, assessments tools and how to adapt information for patients with complex impairments.

Identification of barriers, enablers and interventions to inform deimplementation of low-value care in emergency medicine practice: A protocol for a mixed methods scoping review informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework

INTRODUCTION

Low-value care can lead to patient harm, misdirected clinician time and wastage of finite healthcare resources. Despite worldwide endeavours, deimplementing low-value care has proved challenging. Multifaceted, context and barrier-specific interventions are essential for successful deimplementation. The aim of this literature review is to summarise the evidence about barriers to, enablers of and interventions for deimplementation of low-value care in emergency medicine practice.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A mixed methods scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework will be conducted. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, EMCare, Scopus and grey literature will be searched from inception. Primary studies will be included. Barriers, enablers and interventions will be mapped to the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. Study selection, data collection and quality assessment will be performed by two independent reviewers. NVivo software will be used for qualitative data analysis. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool will be used for quality assessment. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews framework will be used to present results.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review. This review will generate an evidence summary regarding barriers to, enablers of and interventions for deimplementation of low-value care in emergency medicine practice. This review will facilitate discussions about deimplementation with relevant stakeholders including healthcare providers, consumers and managers. These discussions are expected to inform the design and conduct of planned future projects to identify context-specific barriers and enablers then codesign, implement and evaluate barrier-specific interventions.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation and Adoption of a Continuous Quality Improvement Program in Surgery: A Case Study

INTRODUCTION

As postoperative adverse events (AEs) drive worsened patient experience, longer length of stay, and increased costs of care, surgeons have long sought to engage in innovative approaches aimed at reducing AEs to improve the quality and safety of surgical care. While data-driven AE performance measurement and feedback (PMF) as a form of continuing professional development (CPD) has been presented as a possible approach to continuous quality improvement (CQI), little is known about the barriers and facilitators that influence surgeons' engagement and uptake of these CPD programs. The purpose of this knowledge translation informed CPD study was to examine surgeons' perspectives of the challenges and facilitators to participating in surgical CQI with the broader objective of enhancing future improvements of such CPD interventions.

METHODS

Using Everett Rogers diffusion of innovations framework as a sampling frame, the participants were recruited across five surgical divisions. An exploratory case study approach, including in-depth semistructured interviews, was employed. Interview transcripts were analyzed and directly coded using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS

Directed coding yielded a total of 527 coded barriers and facilitators to behavior change pertaining to the implementation and adoption of PMF with the majority of barriers and facilitators coded in four key theoretical domains environmental context and resources, social influences, knowledge, and beliefs about consequences. A key barrier was the lack of support from the hospital necessitating surgeons' self-funding their own PMF programs. Facilitators included having a champion to drive CQI and using seminars to facilitate discussions around CQI principles and practices.

DISCUSSION

This study identified multiple barriers and facilitators to surgeons' engagement and uptake of a data-driven PMF system in surgery. A key finding of the study was the identification of the influential role of positive deviance seminars as a quality improvement and patient safety mechanism that encourages surgeon engagement in PMF systems.

Use of the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore factors influencing paediatric fever management practices and antipyretic use in New Zealand emergency departments

AIM

To explore factors influencing fever management practices and antipyretic use among New Zealand Emergency Department (ED) doctors and nurses using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses across 11 New Zealand EDs. The questionnaire examined eight of 12 TDF domains, based on a generic questionnaire validated to assess TDF-based determinants of health-care professional behaviour. Relevant domains were identified by the frequency of beliefs; the presence of conflicting beliefs within a domain; and the likely strength of impact of a belief on paediatric fever management in the ED.

RESULTS

About 602 participants (243 doctors, 353 nurses and 6 unknown) completed the survey (response rate 47.5%). Over half (351/591, 59.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 55.5-63.5%) knew the content of clinical practice guidelines regarding antipyretic use in febrile children (TDF Domain Knowledge), or had been trained to ensure antipyretics are given to febrile children only if they appear distressed (347/592, 58.6%, 95% CI 54.5-62.6%) (Skills). Over 40% (246/590, 95% CI 37.7-45.8%) aim to reduce the fever before discharge (Goals). Most (444/591, 75.1%, 95% CI 71.4-78.6%) participants felt capable of explaining appropriate antipyretic use to parents/care givers (Beliefs about Capabilities). Only a minority (155/584, 26.5%, 95% CI 23.0-30.3%) thought that they can ensure antipyretics are given to febrile children only if they appear distressed when the ED is busy (Environmental Context and Resources).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the TDF, we identified factors influencing fever management practices and antipyretic use in the ED. These factors can guide the design of targeted, theory-informed knowledge translation strategies.

Management of paediatric traumatic brain injury in Sweden: a national cross-sectional survey

Background

Previous studies have shown variations in management routines for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Sweden. It is unknown if this management has changed after the publication of the Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guidelines in 2016 (SNC16). Also, knowledge of current practice routines may guide development of an efficient implementation strategy for the guidelines. The aim of this study is therefore to describe current management routines in paediatric TBI on a hospital/organizational level in Sweden. Secondary aims are to analyse differences in management over time, to assess the current dissemination status of the SNC16 guideline and to analyse possible variations between hospitals.

Methods

This is a sequential, cross-sectional, structured survey in five sections, covering initial management routines for paediatric TBI in Sweden. Respondents, with profound knowledge of local management routines and recommendations, were identified for all Swedish hospitals with an emergency department managing children (age 0–17 year) via phone/mail before distribution of the survey. Responses were collected via an on-line survey system during June 2020–March 2021. Data are presented as descriptive statistics and comparisons were made using Fisher exact test, when applicable.

Results

71 of the 76 identified hospitals managed patients with TBI of all ages and 66 responded (response rate 93%). 56 of these managed children and were selected for further analysis. 76% (42/55) of hospitals have an established guideline to aid in clinical decision making. Children with TBI are predominately managed by inexperienced doctors (84%; 47/56), primarily from non-paediatric specialities (75%; 42/56). Most hospitals (75%; 42/56) have the possibility to admit and observe children with TBI of varying degrees and almost all centres have complete access to neuroradiology (96%; 54/56). In larger hospitals, it was more common for nurses to discharge patients without doctor assessment when compared to smaller hospitals (6/9 vs. 9/47; p < 0.001). Presence of established guidelines (14/51 vs. 42/55; p < 0.001) and written observation routines (16/51 vs. 29/42; p < 0.001) in hospitals have increased significantly since 2006.

Conclusions

TBI management routines for children in Sweden still vary, with some differences occurring over time. Use of established guidelines, written observation routines and information for patients/guardians have all improved. These results form a baseline for current management and may also aid in guideline implementation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-022-01022-4.

Accuracy of a rapid glial fibrillary acidic protein/ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 test for the prediction of intracranial injuries on head computed tomography after mild traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine the accuracy of a new, rapid blood test combining measurements of both glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) for predicting acute traumatic intracranial injury (TII) on head CT scan after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

METHODS

Analysis of banked venous plasma samples from subjects completing the Prospective Clinical Evaluation of Biomarkers of Traumatic Brain Injury (ALERT-TBI) trial, enrolled 2012-2014 at 22 investigational sites in the United States and Europe. All subjects were ≥18 years old, presented to an emergency department (ED) with a nonpenetrating head injury and Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) 9-15 (mild to moderate TBI), underwent head CT scanning as part of their clinical care, and had blood sampling within 12 h of injury. Plasma concentrations of GFAP and UCH-L1 were measured using i-STAT Alinity and TBI plasma cartridge and compared to acute TII on head CT scan.

RESULTS

Of the 2011 subjects enrolled in ALERT-TBI, 1918 had valid CT scans and plasma specimens for testing and 1901 (99.1%) had GCS 13-15 (mTBI), for which the rapid test was intended. Among these subjects, the rapid test had a sensitivity of 0.958 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.906 to 0.982), specificity of 0.404 (95% CI = 0.382 to 0.427), negative predictive value of 0.993 (95% CI = 0.985 to 0.997), and positive predictive value of 0.098 (95% CI = 0.082 to 0.116) for acute TII.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid i-STAT-based test had high sensitivity for prediction of acute TII, comparable to lab-based platforms. The speed, portability, and high accuracy of this test may facilitate clinical adoption of brain biomarker testing as an aid to head CT decision making in EDs.

Barriers and facilitators to the management of mental health complications after mild traumatic brain injury

Background:

Clinical practice guidelines for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) management call on family physicians to proactively screen and initiate treatment for mental health complications, but evidence suggests that this does not happen consistently. The authors aimed to identify physician-perceived barriers and facilitators to early management of mental health complications following mTBI.

Methods & results:

Semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were conducted with 11 family physicians. Interview transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis. Factors influencing management of mental health post-mTBI were identified along five TDF domains.

Conclusion:

Family physicians could benefit from accessible and easily implemented resources to manage post-mTBI mental health conditions, having a better defined role in this process, and formalization of referrals to mental health specialists.

Best practice recommendations call for family doctors to proactively screen for and treat mental health problems that might arise after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) (also known as a concussion). However, previous studies show that these recommendations are not followed consistently. The authors aimed to find reasons why this is not happening by interviewing 11 family doctors. The authors found that family doctors are mostly unaware of resources to guide their practice, are unsure about their role in mental health management, and experience difficulties in referring their patients to specialists for mental health care. Actively providing family doctors with knowledge and tools that help them initiate mental health care, as well as a structure for mental health referrals after mild traumatic brain injury, would help doctors apply best practice recommendations.

How is the Theoretical Domains Framework applied in designing interventions to support healthcare practitioner behaviour change? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The use of theory is recommended to support interventions to promote implementation of evidence-based practices. However, there are multiple models of behaviour change which can be complex and lack comprehensiveness and are therefore difficult to understand and operationalize. The Theoretical Domains Framework sought to address these problems by synthesizing 33 models of behaviour or behaviour change. Given that it is 15 years since the first publication of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), it is timely to reflect on how the framework has been applied in practice.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to identify and narratively synthesize papers in which the TDF, (including frameworks that incorporate the TDF) have been used have been used to develop implementation interventions.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane databases using the terms: 'theoretical domains framework*' or TDF or Capability, Opportunity, Motivation to Behaviour (COM-B) or 'behav* change wheel' or 'BCW' AND implement* or improv* or quality or guideline* or intervention* or practice* or EBP or 'evidence based practice' and conducted citation and key author searches. The included papers were those that used any version of the TDF published from 2005 onwards. The included papers were subject to narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 3540 papers were identified and 60 were included. Thirty-two papers reported intervention design only and 28 reported intervention design and testing. Despite over 3000 citations there has been limited application to the point of designing interventions to support the best practice. In particular use of the framework has not been tried or tested in non-western countries and barely used in non-primary or acute care settings. Authors have applied the framework to assess barriers and facilitators successfully but reporting of the process of selection of behaviour change techniques and intervention design thereafter was variable.

CONCLUSION

Despite over three thousand citations of the framework there has been limited application to the point of designing interventions to support best practice. The framework is barely used in non-western countries or beyond primary or acute care settings. A stated purpose of the framework was to make psychological theory accessible to researchers and practitioners alike; if this is to be fully achieved, further guidance is needed on the application of the framework beyond the point of assessment of barriers and facilitators.

Management of sport-related concussion in emergency departments in England: a multi-center study

OBJECTIVE

To establish the current knowledge of sport-related concussion (SRC) management of clinicians in emergency departments in the North West of England.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, multi-center study design was used and included emergency department clinicians (EDCs) across 15 centers in the North West of England. A 22-question survey was issued with questions focused on the 5th International Conference on Concussion Consensus Statement. Absolute and percentages were presented, and comparisons in knowledge of guidelines and confidence between EDCs were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Of an estimated 300 EDCs, 111 (37%) responded. Thirty (27%) were aware of the guidelines, whilst 63 (57%) had heard of a graduated return-to-sport protocol. Physical rest was advised by 106 (95%) respondents, with 68 (61%) advising cognitive rest and 47 (42%) providing written advice. There was no difference (p > .05) in awareness of SRC guidelines or confidence between clinician grade, with most receiving no SRC training.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of knowledge amongst EDCs in the North West of England in managing and providing discharge advice to patients with SRC. This is likely due to the limited awareness of guidelines and training, and therefore further education delivery on SRC management guidelines is required.

Facilitators and barriers to the delivery of eye care by optometrists: a systematic review using the theoretical domains framework

PURPOSE

Evidence-based practice is fundamental to providing quality care, patient satisfaction and judicious use of limited healthcare resources. However, variability in evidence-based eye care delivery has been reported. Given the important role of optometrists in delivering primary eye care, a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to providing optometric care is required. This systematic review aimed to identify determinants (barriers and facilitators) of eye care delivery by optometrists and interventions that may improve eye care delivery.

RECENT FINDINGS

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PsychINFO, ProQuest and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting barriers and facilitators to eye care delivery published between 1999 and 2020. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used to analyse data (quotations, interpretive summaries, survey result) with barriers and facilitators coded to one or more of the 14 domains, and used to identify the key behavioural domains influencing eye care delivery based on frequency of coding, elaboration and stated importance in the study. Influential domains were mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify potential interventions to improve eye care delivery. Of the 802 studies retrieved from the search, 30 were included. Frequently identified barriers were time constraints, resources and equipment issues, patient factors, lack of awareness, skill proficiency deficits and negative attitudes and beliefs. Frequently identified facilitators were adequate time, resources and equipment, education, skill proficiency and understanding the relevancy of the eye care provided. The key TDF domains influencing eye care delivery were 'environmental context and resources' (time, resources, equipment issues, patient factors), 'knowledge' (awareness issues), 'skills' (skills proficiency) and 'belief about consequences' (beliefs and relevancy). Intervention functions that may improve eye care delivery were education, training, restriction, environmental restructuring, enablement, persuasion and modelling.

SUMMARY

The barriers and facilitators identified in this review were diverse and located at both the practitioner and organisational levels. Four TDF domains were found to be influential determinants of eye care practice. Intervention functions identified in this study can be used to improve the appropriateness of primary eye care delivery.

Survey of barriers to adherence to international inflammatory bowel disease guidelines: Does gastroenterologists' confidence translate to high adherence?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Despite the availability of evidence-based inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) guidelines, suboptimal care persists. There is little published research assessing barriers to IBD guideline adherence. This study aimed to identify barriers to IBD guideline adherence including gastroenterologists' knowledge and attitudes towards guidelines.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey of 824 Australian gastroenterologists was conducted from April to August 2018, with 198 (24%) responses. A novel survey was developed which was informed by the theoretical domain's framework.

RESULTS

Confidence in guideline recommendations was high, however referral to them was low. The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) guidelines were the most commonly referred to (43.6%). In multivariate analysis, significant predictors of frequent versus infrequent guideline referral were: high confidence in the guideline (OR 7.70, 95% CI: 2.43-24.39, p = 0.001), and low (≤10 years) clinical experience (OR 3.62, 95% CI: 1.11-11.79, p = 0.03). The most common barriers to guideline adherence were not having time (62%) followed by guideline specifics being difficult to remember (61%). Low confidence was reported in managing pregnancy and IBD (34%) and loss of response to therapy (29%). High confidence was reported in managing immunomodulators, however only 43% answered the associated knowledge question correctly.

CONCLUSION

Although gastroenterologists' have high confidence in guidelines, they use them infrequently, primarily due to specifics being difficult to remember and lack of time. Self-reported confidence in an area of IBD management does not always reflect knowledge. An intervention targeting these barriers, for example computer-based clinical decision support tools, may improve adherence and standardise care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The barriers and facilitators to implementing screening in emergency departments: a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) protocol exploring the experiences of healthcare workers

Background: Screening in the emergency department (ED) can identify individuals in need of targeted assessment and early intervention in the hospital or community setting. Time pressures, inadequate resources, poor integration of screening tools into clinical workflow and lack of staff training are barriers to successfully implementing screening in the ED. Tailored implementation processes and education programmes were identified as facilitators. The aim of this QES is to synthesise evidence pertaining to the barriers and facilitators to implementing screening in the ED. This review will focus on the experience of healthcare workers (HCWs) who are involved in this process. Methods: A comprehensive literature search will be completed in Scopus, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane library. Grey literature sources will be searched and include Open Grey, Google Scholar, Lenus Irish Health Repository, Science.Gov and Embase Grey Literature. Qualitative or mixed methods studies that include qualitative data on the experiences of HCWs will be included. “Best fit” framework synthesis will be utilised to produce a context specific conceptual model to describe and explain how these barriers and facilitators may impact on implementation. An a priori framework of themes, formed from the existing evidence base, will inform the ultimate thematic analysis and assist in the organisation and interpretation of search results, ensuring the QES is built upon current findings. CASP will be utilised to quality appraise articles and GRADE CERQual will assess confidence in the QES findings. The screening, quality appraisal, data extraction and assessment of confidence in findings will be completed by two reviewers independently and in duplicate. Contingencies for conflict management during these processes will be outlined.   Conclusions: This synthesis, will offer a new conceptual model for describing healthcare workers’ experience of the barriers and facilitators that impact on the implementation of screening tools in the ED.   Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020188712 05/07/20

Process evaluation of an implementation trial to improve the triage, treatment and transfer of stroke patients in emergency departments (T3 trial): a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The implementation of evidence-based protocols for stroke management in the emergency department (ED) for the appropriate triage, administration of tissue plasminogen activator to eligible patients, management of fever, hyperglycaemia and swallowing, and prompt transfer to a stroke unit were evaluated in an Australian cluster-randomised trial (T3 trial) conducted at 26 emergency departments. There was no reduction in 90-day death or dependency nor improved processes of ED care. We conducted an a priori planned process influential factors that impacted upon protocol uptake.

METHODS

Qualitative face-to-face interviews were conducted with purposively selected ED and stroke clinicians from two high- and two low-performing intervention sites about their views on factors that influenced protocol uptake. All Trial State Co-ordinators (n = 3) who supported the implementation at the 13 intervention sites were also interviewed. Data were analysed thematically using normalisation process theory as a sensitising framework to understand key findings, and compared and contrasted between interviewee groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-five ED and stroke clinicians, and three Trial State Co-ordinators were interviewed. Three major themes represented key influences on evidence uptake: (i) Readiness to change: reflected strategies to mobilise and engage clinical teams to foster cognitive participation and collective action; (ii) Fidelity to the protocols: reflected that beliefs about the evidence underpinning the protocols impeded the development of a shared understanding about the applicability of the protocols in the ED context (coherence); and (iii) Boundaries of care: reflected that appraisal (reflexive monitoring) by ED and stroke teams about their respective boundaries of clinical practice impeded uptake of the protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite initial high 'buy-in' from clinicians, a theoretically informed and comprehensive implementation strategy was unable to overcome system and clinician level barriers. Initiatives to drive change and integrate protocols rested largely with senior nurses who had to overcome contextual factors that fell outside their control, including low medical engagement, beliefs about the supporting evidence and perceptions of professional boundaries. To maximise uptake of evidence and adherence to intervention fidelity in complex clinical settings such as ED cost-effective strategies are needed to overcome these barriers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12614000939695 ).

The barriers and facilitators to screening in emergency departments: a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) protocol

Background: Early detection of adults at risk of adverse outcomes through systematic screening in the emergency department (ED) can serve to identify high risk groups in need of targeted assessment and early intervention in the hospital or community setting. However, issues such as time pressures, inadequate resources, poor integration of tools into clinical workflow and lack of staff training are cited among the barriers to successfully implementing screening tools in the ED. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) is to synthesize evidence pertaining to the barriers and facilitators to implementing screening tools in the ED. Methods: A comprehensive literature search will be completed in the following databases Scopus, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane library. Grey literature sources will also be searched. Qualitative or mixed methods studies that include qualitative data on the perspectives and experiences of stakeholders on the implementation of screening tools in the ED will be included. “Best fit” framework synthesis will be utilised to produce a context specific conceptual model to describe and explain how these barriers and facilitators may impact on implementation. An a priori framework of themes, formed from the existing evidence base, will inform the ultimate thematic analysis and assist in the organisation and interpretation of search results, ensuring the QES is built upon current findings. CASP will be utilised to quality appraise articles and GRADE CERQual will assess confidence in the QES findings. Conclusions: This synthesis will offer a new conceptual model for describing the perspectives, perceptions and experiences of barriers and facilitators experienced by patients and key stakeholders involved in the implementation of screening tools in the ED. The results of this review will inform practice and aid the development and implementation of change strategies to support the implementation of screening tools in the ED. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020188712 05/07/20

Understanding factors that contribute to variations in bronchiolitis management in acute care settings: a qualitative study in Australia and New Zealand using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Background

Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for infants under one year of age to be hospitalised. Despite management being well defined with high quality evidence of no efficacy for salbutamol, adrenaline, glucocorticoids, antibiotics or chest x-rays, substantial variation in practice occurs. Understanding factors that influence practice variation is vital in order to tailor knowledge translation interventions to improve practice. This study explores factors influencing the uptake of five evidence-based guideline recommendations using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with clinicians in emergency departments and paediatric inpatient areas across Australia and New Zealand exploring current practice, and factors that influence this, based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. Interview transcripts were coded using thematic content analysis.

Results

Between July and October 2016, 20 clinicians (12 doctors, 8 nurses) were interviewed. Most clinicians believed chest x-rays were not indicated and caused radiation exposure (beliefs about consequences). However, in practice their decisions were influenced by concerns about misdiagnosis, severity of illness, lack of experience (knowledge) and confidence in managing infants with bronchiolitis (skills), and parental pressure influencing practice (social influences). Some senior clinicians believed trialling salbutamol might be of benefit for some infants (beliefs about consequences) but others strongly discounted this, believing salbutamol to be ineffective, with high quality evidence supporting this (knowledge). Most were concerned about antibiotic resistance and did not believe in antibiotic use in infants with bronchiolitis (beliefs about consequences) but experienced pressure from parents to prescribe (social influences). Glucocorticoid use was generally believed to be of no benefit (knowledge) with concerns surrounding frequency of use in primary care, and parental pressure (social influences). Nurse’s reinforced evidence-based management of bronchiolitis with junior clinicians (social/professional role and identity). Regular turnover of medical staff, a lack of ‘paediatric confident’ nurses and doctors, reduced senior medical coverage after hours, and time pressure in emergency departments were factors influencing practice (environmental context and resources).

Conclusions

Factors influencing the management of infants with bronchiolitis in the acute care period were identified using the Theoretical Domains Framework. These factors will inform the development of tailored knowledge translation interventions.

S100B outperforms clinical decision rules for the identification of intracranial injury on head CT scan after mild traumatic brain injury

Objective: To compare the classification accuracy of S100B to two clinical decision rules- Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR) and New Orleans Criteria (NOC)-for predicting traumatic intracranial injuries (ICI) after mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI).Methods: A secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of mild TBI patients was performed. The diagnostic performance of S100B for predicting ICI on head CT was compared to both the CHRR and NOC. Area under receiver operator characteristic (AUC) curves were used and multivariable analysis was used to create a new decision rule based on a combination of S100B and decision rule-related variables.Results: S100B had the highest negative predictive value (97.3%), positive predictive value (7.21%), specificity (33.6%) and positive likelihood ratio (1.3), and the lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.5). The proportion of mild TBI subjects with potentially avoidable head CT scans was highest using S100B (37.7%). The addition of S100B to both clinical decision rules significantly increased AUC. A novel decision rule adding S100B to three decision rule-related variables significantly improved prediction (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Serum S100B outperformed clinical decision rules for identifying mild TBI patients with ICI. Incorporating clinical variables with S100B maximized ICI prediction, but requires validation in an independent cohort.

Identifying Barriers and Enablers to Attending Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Immigrants to Canada From Ethnocultural Minority Groups: Protocol for a Qualitative Descriptive Study

Background

Immigrants to Canada belonging to ethnocultural minority groups are at increased risk of developing diabetes and complications, including diabetic retinopathy, and they are also less likely to be screened and treated. Improved attendance to retinopathy screening (eye tests) has the potential to reduce permanent complications, including blindness.

Objective

This study aims to identify the barriers and enablers of attending diabetic retinopathy screening among ethnocultural minority immigrants living with diabetes in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, to inform the development of a behavior change intervention to improve diabetic retinopathy screening attendance.

Methods

The research question draws on the needs of patients and clinicians. Using an integrated knowledge translation approach, the research team includes clinicians, researchers, and patient partners who will contribute throughout the study to developing and reviewing materials and procedures, helping to recruit participants, and disseminating findings. Using a convenience snowball strategy, we will recruit participants from three target groups: South Asian and Chinese people, and French-speaking people of African descent. To better facilitate reaching these groups and support participant recruitment, we will partner with community organizations and clinics serving our target populations in Ontario and Quebec. Data will be collected using semistructured interviews, using topic guides developed in English and translated into French, Mandarin, Hindi, and Urdu, and conducted in those languages. Data collection and analysis will be structured according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which synthesizes predominant theories of behavior change into 14 domains covering key modifiable factors that may operate as barriers or enablers to attending eye screening. We will use directed content analysis to code barriers and enablers to TDF domains, then thematic analysis to define key themes within domains.

Results

This study was approved for funding in December 2017, and the research ethics board approved the conduct of the study as of January 13, 2018. Data collection then began in April 2018. As of August 28, 2018, we have recruited 22 participants, and analysis is ongoing, with results expected to be published in 2020.

Conclusions

Findings from this study will inform the codevelopment of theory-informed, culturally- and linguistically-tailored interventions to support patients in attending retinopathy screening.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/15109

Implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary Movement Disorders Clinic: applying a knowledge translation framework to improve multidisciplinary care

PURPOSE

To evaluate the implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary Movement Disorder Clinic using a model of knowledge translation.

METHODS

A mixed methods design was used to evaluate implementation outcomes. After recognising poor referral rates to allied health, Movement Disorder Clinic team-members identified implementation barriers. Team- and process-level implementation strategies were designed and tailored to address these barriers. The primary outcome measure was the change in the proportion of patients referred to allied health, determined by comparing pre- and post-implementation documentation audits. Secondary outcome measures included clinician and consumer surveys to identify ongoing implementation barriers and stakeholder satisfaction.

RESULTS

Documentation from 90 medical records was included in the audits (post-intervention n = 45). There was a significant improvement in the referral rates to allied health from 53% to 84% (mean improvement 31%, p = 0.003, Fisher's exact test). However, documentation of disease education decreased by 38% (p = 0.000, Fisher's exact test). Movement Disorder Clinic team-members identified three main barriers to ongoing implementation: "memory and automaticity", "environmental context and resources" and "beliefs about capabilities". Thirty-seven consumer surveys were completed, showing high levels of satisfaction (86%) but ongoing educational needs (51%).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary Movement Disorder Clinic was facilitated by a knowledge translation framework, leading to improved allied health referral rates and high levels of staff and consumer satisfaction, but unmet educational needs of consumers. Future research in the field of multidisciplinary healthcare for people with movement disorders is needed to determine the impact of these changes on patients' healthcare outcomes.Implications for rehabilitationMultidisciplinary integrated healthcare models may lead to better outcomes in progressive diseases such as Parkinson's disease, however, can be challenging to implement.A knowledge translation framework facilitated successful implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary Movement Disorders Clinic, leading to significantly improved rates of appropriate referrals to allied health, and staff and consumer satisfaction.Team-members identified three main barriers to ongoing implementation - "memory and automaticity", "environmental context and resources," and "beliefs about capabilities" - which may impact sustainability and should be considered in future implementation efforts.

Concussion in Combination With Whiplash-Associated Disorder May Be Missed in Primary Care: Key Recommendations for Assessment and Management

Whiplash and concussion may have similar presenting symptoms, biomechanical mechanisms, and neurophysiological sequelae, but neither enjoys a gold standard diagnostic test. Guidelines for whiplash and concussion are developed and implemented separately. This disparate process may contribute to misdiagnosis, delay appropriate primary care management, and impair patient outcomes. In our clinical commentary, we present 3 cases where signs and symptoms consistent with whiplash were identified in primary care. Symptoms in all cases included neck pain, headache, dizziness, and concentration deficits, raising suspicion of coexisting postconcussion syndrome. All cases were referred for specialist physical therapy. Characteristics consistent with poor recovery in both whiplash and postconcussion syndrome were confirmed, and multidisciplinary management, drawing from both whiplash and concussion guidelines, was implemented. All patients reported improvement in activities of daily living after tailored management addressing both neck and head injury-related factors, suggesting that these conditions were not mutually exclusive. Self-reported outcomes included reductions in neck disability and postconcussion symptoms of between 20% and 40%. It may be appropriate for whiplash and concussion guidelines to be amalgamated, enhanced, and mutually recognized on a patient-by-patient basis. Primary health care professionals might consider minimum screening to identify postconcussion syndrome in patients following motor vehicle collision by administering questionnaires and assessing cranial nerve function, balance, and cognition. Management should then incorporate principles from both whiplash and concussion guidelines and harmonize with available imaging guidelines for suspected spine and head trauma. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(11):819-828. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8946.

Current needs for the improved management of depressive disorder in community healthcare centres, Shenzhen, China: a view from primary care medical leaders

Background

The prevalence of depressive disorder in Shenzhen is higher than for any other city in China. Despite national health system reform to integrate mental health into primary care, the majority of depression cases continue to go unrecognized and untreated. Qualitative research was conducted with primary care medical leaders to describe the current clinical practice of depressive disorder in community healthcare centres (CHC) in Shenzhen and to explore the participants' perceptions of psychological, organizational and societal barriers and enablers to current practice with a view to identifying current needs for the improved care of depressive disorder in the community.

Methods

Seventeen semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews (approx. 1 h long) were conducted in Melbourne (n = 7) and Shenzhen (n = 10) with a convenience sample of primary care medical leaders who currently work in community healthcare centres (CHC) in Shenzhen and completed any one of the 3-month long, Melbourne-based, "Monash-Shenzhen Primary Healthcare Leaders Programs" conducted between 2015 and 2017. The interview guide was developed using the Theoretical Domain's Framework (TDF) and a directed content analysis (using Nvivo 11 software) was performed using English translations.

Results

Despite primary care medical leaders being aware of a mental health treatment gap and the benefits of early depression care for community wellbeing, depressive disorder was not perceived as a treatment priority in CHCs. Instead, hospital specialists were identified as holding primary responsibility for formal diagnosis and treatment initiation with primary care doctors providing early assessment and basic health education. Current needs for improved depression care included: (i) Improved professional development for primary care doctors with better access to diagnostic guidelines and tools, case-sharing and improved connection with mentors to overcome current low levels of treatment confidence. (ii) An improved consulting environment (e.g. allocated mental health resource; longer and private consultations; developed medical referral system; better access to antidepressants) which embraces mental health initiatives (e.g. development of mental health departments in local hospitals; future use of e-mental health; reimbursement for patients; doctors' incentives). (iii) Improved health literacy to overcome substantive mental health stigma in society and specific stigma directed towards the only public psychiatric hospital.

Conclusions

Whilst a multi-faceted approach is needed to improve depression care in community health centres in Shenzhen, this study highlights how appropriate mental health training is central to developing a robust work-force which can act as key agents in national healthcare reform. The cultural adaption of the depression component of the World Health Organisation's mental health gap intervention guide (mhGAP-IG.v2) could provide primary care doctors with a future training tool to develop their assessment skills and treatment confidence.

Perceived barriers and enablers for implementing water protocols in acute stroke care: A qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Purpose: To identify perceived enablers and barriers that may influence the implementation of water protocols (WPs) as an intervention for dysphagia in acute stroke settings. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine nurses, eight speech-language pathologists (SLPs), five doctors and four dietitians working in acute stroke units in a major city in Australia. Data were thematically analysed and themes were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Result: Ten barriers and nine enablers were identified. Key barriers were: nurses lack oral care skills and agency nurses lack stroke-specific skills; only SLPs are perceived to be involved with WPs; WP rules will not get followed and may lead to adverse patient outcomes; WPs increase nursing workload; transient workforce impacts efficiency of implementation; and established culture of using thickened fluids. Key enablers were: patients would benefit from WPs; communication and education systems are already in place; acute hospital brings unique benefits; and peer support and modelling support implementation. Conclusion: The perceptions of barriers and enablers to implementation of WPs can be used to inform future studies designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of WPs and subsequently facilitate their uptake in acute stroke as an alternate dysphagia management strategy.

Surgical nurses' perceptions and experiences of a medications and oral restrictions policy change: A focus group study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the perceptions and experiences of surgical nurses before and after introducing the Medications and Oral Restrictions Policy (the Policy).

BACKGROUND

The Policy was developed following extensive consultation, and evidence-based strategies were considered for its implementation. However, it is possible uptake did not meet expectations.

DESIGN

Focus group interviews.

METHODS

Three focus groups were conducted in November 2015 around 'what worked, what didn't and why, before and after hospital-wide implementation of the Policy.' Data were coded and analysed using an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach. The COREQ checklist guided reporting.

RESULTS

The three groups consisted of 16, 14 and six surgical nurses. Before the Policy, there was confusion, lack of clarity and guidance, and lack of experience and confidence in managing medications when patients had oral restrictions. After the Policy rollout, there was a sense of 'knowing what to do' because of improved clarity and decision support; but there were also problems with: not everyone knowing about the policy, particularly due to staff movement and turnover; and, individual interpretation of the policy including use of its signs outside of context, and decision-making processes.

CONCLUSION

Exploration of nurses' perceptions of a medication-related policy change found that while the Policy provided clarity and decision support for some, it made little difference for others. Limited reach of the policy was an issue despite an effort to address this at the outset, as well as variations in interpretation of the policy and subsequent decision-making.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

How individuals interpret information and their understanding of the context behind the policy or guideline may affect implementation and should be considered alongside other barriers when implementing medication-related initiatives. Furthermore, implementation strategies that are independent of ongoing resources and/or key champions to sustain should be prioritised for all initiatives.

Anesthesiology Control Tower-Feasibility Assessment to Support Translation (ACTFAST): Mixed-Methods Study of a Novel Telemedicine-Based Support System for the Operating Room

Background

Despite efforts to improve patient outcomes, major morbidity and mortality remain common after surgery. Health information technologies that provide decision support for clinicians might improve perioperative and postoperative patient care. Evaluating the usability of these technologies and barriers to their implementation can facilitate their acceptance within health systems.

Objective

This manuscript describes usability testing and refinement of an innovative telemedicine-based clinical support system, the Anesthesiology Control Tower (ACT). It also reports stakeholders’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to implementation of the intervention.

Methods

Three phases of testing were conducted in an iterative manner. Phase 1 testing employed a think-aloud protocol analysis to identify surface-level usability problems with individual software components of the ACT and its structure. Phase 2 testing involved an extended qualitative and quantitative real-world usability analysis. Phase 3 sought to identify major barriers and facilitators to implementation of the ACT through semistructured interviews with key stakeholders.

Results

Phase 1 and phase 2 usability testing sessions identified numerous usability problems with the software components of the ACT. The ACT platform was revised in seven iterations in response to these usability concerns. Initial satisfaction with the ACT, as measured by standardized instruments, was below commonly accepted cutoffs for these measures. Satisfaction improved to acceptable levels over the course of revision and testing. A number of barriers to implementation were also identified and addressed during the refinement of the ACT intervention.

Conclusions

The ACT model can improve the standard of perioperative anesthesia care. Through our thorough and iterative usability testing process and stakeholder assessment of barriers and facilitators, we enhanced the acceptability of this novel technology and improved our ability to implement this innovation into routine practice.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s40814-018-0233-4

Discharge communication practices in pediatric emergency care: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

BACKGROUND

The majority of children receiving care in the emergency department (ED) are discharged home, making discharge communication a key component of quality emergency care. Parents must have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their child's ongoing care at home. Parental fatigue and stress, health literacy, and the fragmented nature of communication in the ED setting may contribute to suboptimal parent comprehension of discharge instructions and inappropriate ED return visits. The aim of this study was to examine how and why discharge communication works in a pediatric ED context and develop recommendations for practice, policy, and research.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the published and gray literature. We searched electronic databases CINAHL, Medline, and Embase up to July 2017. Policies guiding discharge communication were also sought from pediatric emergency networks in Canada, USA, Australia, and the UK. Eligible studies included children less than 19 years of age with a focus on discharge communication in the ED as the primary objective. Included studies were appraised using relevant Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. Textual summaries, content analysis, and conceptual mapping assisted with exploring relationships within and between data. We implemented an integrated knowledge translation approach to strengthen the relevancy of our research questions and assist with summarizing our findings.

RESULTS

A total of 5095 studies were identified in the initial search, with 75 articles included in the final review. Included studies focused on a range of illness presentations and employed a variety of strategies to deliver discharge instructions. Education was the most common intervention and the majority of studies targeted parent knowledge or behavior. Few interventions attempted to change healthcare provider knowledge or behavior. Assessing barriers to implementation, identifying relevant ED contextual factors, and understanding provider and patient attitudes and beliefs about discharge communication were identified as important factors for improving discharge communication practice.

CONCLUSION

Existing literature examining discharge communication in pediatric emergency care varies widely. A theory-based approach to intervention design is needed to improve our understanding regarding discharge communication practice. Strengthening discharge communication in a pediatric emergency context presents a significant opportunity for improving parent comprehension and health outcomes for children.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42014007106.

Specialist Clinicians' Management of Dependence on Non-Prescription Medicines and Barriers to Treatment Provision: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study Using Behavioural Theory

The aim of the study was to establish how non-prescription medicine (NPM) dependence is treated by doctors in specialist substance misuse treatment services and to identify perceived barriers to providing treatment. An online survey was conducted to establish current practice and whether changes to service provision are needed to facilitate treatment (n = 83). Semi-structured interviews, based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, were conducted to derive a detailed exploration of suggested changes (n = 11). Most survey respondents had encountered cases of NPM dependence. Analgesics containing codeine were the most frequently NPMs of dependence mentioned by respondents. Most respondents were unaware of specific guidelines for the treatment of NPM dependence. The most frequently identified barriers to providing treatment identified by interviewees were limited resources or capacity and the challenges presented by this client group. There was a perception that this client group could be difficult to treat due to comorbidities, and these this client group perceived themselves to be different from people dependent on alcohol or illicit drugs. This study identified a clear need for specific clinical guidelines for the treatment of NPM dependence. Such guidance should be appropriate for specialist and generalist clinicians as the current pressure on resources may force more treatment into general practice. Appropriate care pathways need to be established and defined, and sufficient resources allocated to accommodate this client group.

Addressing unwarranted clinical variation: A rapid review of current evidence

INTRODUCTION

Unwarranted clinical variation (UCV) can be described as variation that can only be explained by differences in health system performance. There is a lack of clarity regarding how to define and identify UCV and, once identified, to determine whether it is sufficiently problematic to warrant action. As such, the implementation of systemic approaches to reducing UCV is challenging. A review of approaches to understand, identify, and address UCV was undertaken to determine how conceptual and theoretical frameworks currently attempt to define UCV, the approaches used to identify UCV, and the evidence of their effectiveness.

DESIGN

Rapid evidence assessment (REA) methodology was used.

DATA SOURCES

A range of text words, synonyms, and subject headings were developed for the major concepts of unwarranted clinical variation, standards (and deviation from these standards), and health care environment. Two electronic databases (Medline and Pubmed) were searched from January 2006 to April 2017, in addition to hand searching of relevant journals, reference lists, and grey literature.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Results were merged using reference-management software (Endnote) and duplicates removed. Inclusion criteria were independently applied to potentially relevant articles by 3 reviewers. Findings were presented in a narrative synthesis to highlight key concepts addressed in the published literature.

RESULTS

A total of 48 relevant publications were included in the review; 21 articles were identified as eligible from the database search, 4 from hand searching published work and 23 from the grey literature. The search process highlighted the voluminous literature reporting clinical variation internationally; yet, there is a dearth of evidence regarding systematic approaches to identifying or addressing UCV.

CONCLUSION

Wennberg's classification framework is commonly cited in relation to classifying variation, but no single approach is agreed upon to systematically explore and address UCV. The instances of UCV that warrant investigation and action are largely determined at a systems level currently, and stakeholder engagement in this process is limited. Lack of consensus on an evidence-based definition for UCV remains a substantial barrier to progress in this field.

Evaluation of a targeted, theory-informed implementation intervention designed to increase uptake of emergency management recommendations regarding adult patients with mild traumatic brain injury: results of the NET cluster randomised trial

Background

Evidence-based guidelines for management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the emergency department (ED) are now widely available; however, clinical practice remains inconsistent with these guidelines. A targeted, theory-informed implementation intervention (Neurotrauma Evidence Translation (NET) intervention) was designed to increase the uptake of three clinical practice recommendations regarding the management of patients who present to Australian EDs with mild head injuries. The intervention involved local stakeholder meetings, identification and training of nursing and medical local opinion leaders, train-the-trainer workshops and standardised education materials and interactive workshops delivered by the opinion leaders to others within their EDs during a 3 month period. This paper reports on the effects of this intervention.

Methods

EDs (clusters) were allocated to receive either access to a clinical practice guideline (control) or the implementation intervention, using minimisation, a method that allocates clusters to groups using an algorithm to minimise differences in predefined factors between the groups. We measured clinical practice outcomes at the patient level using chart audit. The primary outcome was appropriate screening for post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) using a validated tool until a perfect score was achieved (indicating absence of acute cognitive impairment) before the patient was discharged home. Secondary outcomes included appropriate CT scanning and the provision of written patient information upon discharge. Patient health outcomes (anxiety, primary outcome: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were also assessed using follow-up telephone interviews. Outcomes were assessed by independent auditors and interviewers, blinded to group allocation.

Results

Fourteen EDs were allocated to the intervention and 17 to the control condition; 1943 patients were included in the chart audit. At 2 months follow-up, patients attending intervention EDs (n = 893) compared with control EDs (n = 1050) were more likely to have been appropriately assessed for PTA (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 20.1, 95%CI 6.8 to 59.3; adjusted absolute risk difference (ARD) 14%, 95%CI 8 to 19). The odds of compliance with recommendations for CT scanning and provision of written patient discharge information were small (OR 1.2, 95%CI 0.8 to 1.6; ARD 3.2, 95%CI − 3.7 to 10 and OR 1.2, 95%CI 0.8 to 1.8; ARD 3.1, 95%CI − 3.0 to 9.3 respectively).

A total of 343 patients at ten interventions and 14 control sites participated in follow-up interviews at 4.3 to 10.7 months post-ED presentation. The intervention had a small effect on anxiety levels (adjusted mean difference − 0.52, 95%CI − 1.34 to 0.30; scale 0–21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety).

Conclusions

Our intervention was effective in improving the uptake of the PTA recommendation; however, it did not appreciably increase the uptake of the other two practice recommendations. Improved screening for PTA may be clinically important as it leads to appropriate periods of observation prior to safe discharge. The estimated intervention effect on anxiety was of limited clinical significance. We were not able to compare characteristics of EDs who declined trial participation with those of participating sites, which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612001286831), date registered 12 December 2012.

Electronic supplementary material

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A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial of a tailored intervention to improve the initial management of suspected encephalitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a tailored multifaceted implementation strategy improves the initial management of patients with suspected encephalitis.

DESIGN

Pragmatic two arm cluster randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Hospitals within the United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four hospitals nested within 12 postgraduate deaneries. Patients were identified retrospectively by searching discharge, microbiology, radiology and pharmacy records and included if they met clinical criteria or had a recorded suspicion of encephalitis.

INTERVENTION

An implementation strategy designed to overcome barriers to change, comprising local action planning, education and training, feedback on performance, a lumbar puncture pack and a range of optional components.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with suspected encephalitis undergoing diagnostic lumbar puncture within 12 hours of admission and starting aciclovir treatment within six hours. Secondary outcomes included the proportions of adults and children who had a lumbar puncture, who had appropriate cerebrospinal fluid investigations, and who had appropriate radiological imaging within 24 hours of admission. Data were collected from patient records for 12 months before and 12 months during the intervention period, and analysed blind to allocation.

RESULTS

13 hospitals were randomised to intervention and 11 to control (no intervention), with 266 and 223 patients with suspected encephalitis identified respectively. There was no significant difference in primary outcome between intervention and control hospitals (13.5% and 14.8% respectively, p = 0.619; treatment effect -0.188, 95% confidence interval -0.927 to 0.552), but both had improved compared to pre-intervention (8.5%).

CONCLUSION

The improvement in both intervention and control arms may reflect overall progress in management of encephalitis through wider awareness and education.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Controlled Trials: ISRCTN06886935.

Economic evaluation of the NET intervention versus guideline dissemination for management of mild head injury in hospital emergency departments

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based guidelines for the management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the emergency department (ED) are now widely available, and yet, clinical practice remains inconsistent with the guidelines. The Neurotrauma Evidence Translation (NET) intervention was developed to increase the uptake of guideline recommendations and improve the management of minor head injury in Australian emergency departments (EDs). However, the adoption of this type of intervention typically entails an upfront investment that may or may not be fully offset by improvements in clinical practice, health outcomes and/or reductions in health service utilisation. The present study estimates the cost and cost-effectiveness of the NET intervention, as compared to the passive dissemination of the guideline, to evaluate whether any improvements in clinical practice or health outcomes due to the NET intervention can be obtained at an acceptable cost.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Study setting: The NET cluster randomised controlled trial [ACTRN12612001286831].

STUDY SAMPLE

Seventeen EDs were randomised to the control condition and 14 to the intervention. One thousand nine hundred forty-three patients were included in the analysis of clinical practice outcomes (NET sample). A total of 343 patients from 14 control and 10 intervention EDs participated in follow-up interviews and were included in the analysis of patient-reported health outcomes (NET-Plus sample).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Appropriate post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) screening in the ED (primary outcome). Secondary clinical practice outcomes: provision of written information on discharge (INFO) and safe discharge (defined as CT scan appropriately provided plus PTA plus INFO). Secondary patient-reported, post-discharge health outcomes: anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), post-concussive symptoms (Rivermead), and preference-based health-related quality of life (SF6D).

METHODS

Trial-based economic evaluations from a health sector perspective, with time horizons set to coincide with the final follow-up for the NET sample (2 months post-intervention) and to 1-month post-discharge for the NET-Plus sample.

RESULTS

Intervention and control groups were not significantly different in health service utilisation received in the ED/inpatient ward following the initial mTBI presentation (adjusted mean difference $23.86 per patient; 95%CI - $106, $153; p = 0.719) or over the longer follow-up in the NET-plus sample (adjusted mean difference $341.78 per patient; 95%CI - $58, $742; p = 0.094). Savings from lower health service utilisation are therefore unlikely to offset the significantly higher upfront cost of the intervention (mean difference $138.20 per patient; 95%CI $135, $141; p < 0.000). Estimates of the net effect of the intervention on total cost (intervention cost net of health service utilisation) suggest that the intervention entails significantly higher costs than the control condition (adjusted mean difference $169.89 per patient; 95%CI $43, $297, p = 0.009). This effect is larger in absolute magnitude over the longer follow-up in the NET-plus sample (adjusted mean difference $505.06; 95%CI $96, $915; p = 0.016), mostly due to additional health service utilisation. For the primary outcome, the NET intervention is more costly and more effective than passive dissemination; entailing an additional cost of $1246 per additional patient appropriately screened for PTA ($169.89/0.1363; Fieller's 95%CI $525, $2055). For NET to be considered cost-effective with 95% confidence, decision-makers would need to be willing to trade one quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for 25 additional patients appropriately screened for PTA. While these results reflect our best estimate of cost-effectiveness given the data, it is possible that a NET intervention that has been scaled and streamlined ready for wider roll-out may be more or less cost-effective than the NET intervention as delivered in the trial.

CONCLUSIONS

While the NET intervention does improve the management of mTBI in the ED, it also entails a significant increase in cost and-as delivered in the trial-is unlikely to be cost-effective at currently accepted funding thresholds. There may be a scope for a scaled-up and streamlined NET intervention to achieve a better balance between costs and outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001286831 , date registered 12 December 2012.

Barriers and Facilitators to Self-Directed Learning in Continuing Professional Development for Physicians in Canada: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

This scoping review explored the barriers and facilitators that influence engagement in and implementation of self-directed learning (SDL) in continuing professional development (CPD) for physicians in Canada.

METHOD

This review followed the six-stage scoping review framework of Arksey and O'Malley and of Daudt et al. In 2015, the authors searched eight online databases for English-language Canadian articles published January 2005-December 2015. To chart and analyze data from the 17 included studies, they employed a two-step analysis process composed of conventional content analysis followed by directed coding applying the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

RESULTS

Conventional content analysis generated five categories of barriers and facilitators: individual, program, technological, environmental, and workplace/organizational. Directed coding guided by the TDF allowed analysis of barriers and facilitators to behavior change according to two key groups: physicians engaging in SDL, and SDL developers designing and implementing SDL programs. Of the 318 total barriers and facilitators coded, 290 (91.2%) were coded for physicians and 28 (8.8%) for SDL developers. The majority (209; 65.7%) were coded in four key TDF domains: environmental context and resources, social influences, beliefs about consequences, and behavioral regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review identified five categories of barriers and facilitators in the literature and four key TDF domains where most factors related to behavior change of physicians and SDL developers regarding SDL programs in CPD were coded. There was a significant gap in the literature about factors that may contribute to SDL developers' capacity to design and implement SDL programs in CPD.

Serum GFAP and UCH-L1 for prediction of absence of intracranial injuries on head CT (ALERT-TBI): a multicentre observational study

BACKGROUND

More than 50 million people worldwide sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually. Detection of intracranial injuries relies on head CT, which is overused and resource intensive. Blood-based brain biomarkers hold the potential to predict absence of intracranial injury and thus reduce unnecessary head CT scanning. We sought to validate a test combining ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), at predetermined cutoff values, to predict traumatic intracranial injuries on head CT scan acutely after TBI.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre observational trial included adults (≥18 years) presenting to participating emergency departments with suspected, non-penetrating TBI and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 9-15. Patients were eligible if they had undergone head CT as part of standard emergency care and blood collection within 12 h of injury. UCH-L1 and GFAP were measured in serum and analysed using prespecified cutoff values of 327 pg/mL and 22 pg/mL, respectively. UCH-L1 and GFAP assay results were combined into a single test result that was compared with head CT results. The primary study outcomes were the sensitivity and the negative predictive value (NPV) of the test result for the detection of traumatic intracranial injury on head CT.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 6, 2012, and March 20, 2014, 1977 patients were recruited, of whom 1959 had analysable data. 125 (6%) patients had CT-detected intracranial injuries and eight (<1%) had neurosurgically manageable injuries. 1288 (66%) patients had a positive UCH-L1 and GFAP test result and 671 (34%) had a negative test result. For detection of intracranial injury, the test had a sensitivity of 0·976 (95% CI 0·931-0·995) and an NPV of 0·996 (0·987-0·999). In three (<1%) of 1959 patients, the CT scan was positive when the test was negative.

INTERPRETATION

These results show the high sensitivity and NPV of the UCH-L1 and GFAP test. This supports its potential clinical role for ruling out the need for a CT scan among patients with TBI presenting at emergency departments in whom a head CT is felt to be clinically indicated. Future studies to determine the value added by this biomarker test to head CT clinical decision rules could be warranted.

FUNDING

Banyan Biomarkers and US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.

Implementing evidence-based practices in the care of infants with bronchiolitis in Australasian acute care settings: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for admission to hospital for infants less than one year of age. Although management is well defined, there is substantial variation in practice, with infants receiving ineffective therapies or management. This study will test the effectiveness of tailored, theory informed knowledge translation (KT) interventions to decrease the use of five clinical therapies or management processes known to be of no benefit, compared to usual dissemination practices in infants with bronchiolitis. The primary objective is to establish whether the KT interventions are effective in increasing compliance to five evidence based recommendations in the first 24 h following presentation to hospital. The five recommendations are that infants do not receive; salbutamol, antibiotics, glucocorticoids, adrenaline, or a chest x-ray.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study is designed as a cluster randomised controlled trial. We will recruit 24 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand, stratified by country and provision of tertiary or secondary paediatric care. Hospitals will be randomised to either control or intervention groups. Control hospitals will receive a copy of the recent Australasian Bronchiolitis Guideline. Intervention hospitals will receive KT interventions informed by a qualitative analysis of factors influencing clinician care of infants with bronchiolitis. Key interventions include, local stakeholder meetings, identifying medical and nursing clinical leads in both emergency departments and paediatric inpatient areas who will attend a single education train-the-trainer day to then deliver standardised staff education with the training materials provided and coordinate audit and feedback reports locally over the study period. Data will be extracted retrospectively for three years prior to the study intervention year, and for seven months of the study intervention year bronchiolitis season following intervention delivery to determine compliance with the five evidence-based recommendations. Data will be collected to assess fidelity to the implementation strategies and to facilitate an economic evaluation.

DISCUSSION

This study will contribute to the body of knowledge to determine the effectiveness of tailored, theory informed interventions in acute care paediatric settings, with the aim of reducing the evidence to practice gaps in the care of infants with bronchiolitis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001567415 (retrospectively registered on 14 November 2016).

Caring for crying babies: A mixed-methods study to understand factors influencing nurses' and doctors' management of infant colic

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the barriers and enablers influencing the uptake of two recommendations from a tertiary paediatric hospital's clinical practice guidelines by maternal and child health nurses (MCHNs) and emergency department (ED) doctors: (i) explaining normal crying; and (ii) avoiding attributing crying to gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and limiting anti-reflux medication use.

METHODS

The study was designed as 1-h focus group discussions, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, and a short questionnaire, with a purposive sample of MCHNs and ED doctors in Victoria, Australia in (March to September) 2015. Analyses were conducted by inductive content analysis to identify key barriers and enablers.

RESULTS

A total of 53 MCHNs and 25 ED doctors participated in 11 discussions. For explaining normal crying, key enablers were: adequate experience/competency, perceiving it was their role to explain and belief it prevented over-medicalisation. The main barriers were time restriction and beliefs about parents' perceptions. For MCHNs, key barriers to avoid attributing crying to GOR were: lack of knowledge and confusion around their role in diagnosing GOR. For ED doctors, key barriers to limiting anti-reflux medication were: parents requesting medication, concern about disrupting the parent-primary-care practitioner relationship and belief it was not their role to cease anti-reflux medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, MCHN and ED doctors were proficient in describing normal crying. However, several barriers to best practice were identified, including time constraints and belief about consequences of intervening. These results will be used to develop effective interventions to address the identified barriers and enablers to optimise the management of infant colic.

Improving the implementation of nutrition guidelines in childcare centres improves child dietary intake: findings of a randomised trial of an implementation intervention

OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests that improvements to the childcare nutrition environment can have a positive impact on child dietary intake. The primary aim of the present study was to assess, relative to usual care, the effectiveness of a multi-strategy implementation intervention in improving childcare compliance with nutrition guidelines. As a secondary aim, the impact on child dietary intake was assessed.

DESIGN

Parallel-group, randomised controlled trial design. The 6-month intervention was designed to overcome barriers to implementation of the nutrition guidelines that had been identified by applying the theoretical domains framework.

SETTING

Hunter New England region, New South Wales, Australia.

SUBJECTS

Forty-five centre-based childcare services.

RESULTS

There were no differences between groups in the proportion of services providing food servings (per child) compliant with nutrition guideline recommendations for all five (5/5) food groups at follow-up (i.e. full compliance). Relative to control services, intervention services were more likely to be compliant with guidelines (OR; 95 % CI) in provision of fruit (10·84; 1·19, 551·20; P=0·0024), meat and meat alternatives (8·83; 1·55, -; P=0·023), dairy (8·41; 1·60, 63·62; P=0·006) and discretionary foods (17·83; 2·15, 853·73; P=0·002). Children in intervention services consumed greater servings (adjusted difference; 95 % CI) of fruit (0·41; 0·09, 0·73; P=0·014) and vegetables (0·70; 0·33, 1·08; P<0·001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that service-level changes to menus in line with dietary guidelines can result in improvements to children's dietary intake. The study provides evidence to advance implementation research in the setting as a means of enhancing child public health nutrition.

Emergency Physician Training on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the most common emergency department (ED) brain injury presentation worldwide. Despite its frequency, practice variation and care gaps exist among emergency physicians (EPs) in diagnosing and appropriately managing mTBI in the ED. The objective of this review was to identify mTBI-specific training undertaken to improve the detection and management of mTBIs by EPs and its impact on practice.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy utilized four bibliographic databases, the gray literature and the keywords concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, medical education, and continuing medical education (CME). To be included, studies were required to report on mTBI training received by practicing EPs at any point during their medical education or career. Studies examining clinical practice guidelines or use of diagnostic tools without active implementation or formal training were not included. Two reviewers screened unique citations for relevance and reviewed the full texts of relevant articles. Two independent researchers extracted data and assessed methodologic quality. At all stages, a third independent reviewer adjudicated discrepancies.

RESULTS

Overall, five studies were included from 409 unique results. None of the included studies were of high quality. Identified training on mTBI consisted of three training toolkits, conference presentations and academic journal articles, and pediatric fellowship training. Training primarily occurred as CME and focused on awareness of and management of mTBI; three studies reported physician practice changes, including increases in the use of evidence-based return-to-school and return-to-activity recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The few studies identified addressing mTBI training targeting EPs demonstrate the limited attention given to this issue. The current evidence-to-practice gap in mTBI management places patients at risk for suboptimal care in the ED, and existing mTBI knowledge translation, including education, requires optimization to effectively address the current gap in evidence-based practice for mTBI diagnosis and management in the ED.

Assessing the extent of drug interactions among patients with multimorbidity in primary and secondary care in the West Midlands (UK): a study protocol for the Mixed Methods Multimorbidity Study (MiMMS)

INTRODUCTION

The numbers of patients with three or more chronic conditions (multimorbidity) are increasing, and will rise to 2.9 million by 2018 in the UK alone. Currently in the UK, conditions are mainly managed using over 250 sets of single-condition guidance, which has the potential to generate conflicting recommendations for lifestyle and concurrent medication for individual patients with more than one condition. To address some of these issues, we are developing a new computer-based tool to help manage these patients more effectively. For this tool to be applicable and relevant to current practice, we must first better understand how existing patients with multimorbidity are being managed, particularly relating to concerns over prescribing and potential polypharmacy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Up to four secondary care centres, two community pharmacies and between four and eight primary care centres in the West Midlands will be recruited. Interviewees will be purposively sampled from these sites, up to a maximum of 30. In this mixed methods study, we will perform a dual framework analysis on the qualitative data; the first analysis will use the Theoretical Domains Framework to assess barriers and enablers for healthcare professionals around the management of multimorbid patients; the second analysis will use Normalisation Process Theory to understand how interventions are currently being successfully implemented in both settings. We will also extract quantitative anonymised patient data from primary care to determine the extent of polypharmacy currently present for patients with multimorbidity in the West Midlands.

DISCUSSION

We aim to combine these data so that we can build a useful, fully implementable tool which addresses the barriers most amenable to change within both primary and secondary care contexts.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Favourable ethical approval has been granted by The University of Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (ERN_16-0074) on 17 May 2016. Our work will be disseminated through peer-reviewed literature, trade journals and conferences. We will also use the dedicated web page hosted by the University to serve as a central point of contact and as a repository of our findings. We aim to produce a minimum of three articles from this work to contribute to the international scientific literature.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio Registration CPMS ID 30613.