•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Purpose: Knowledge translation (KT) in the health system is critical for the delivery of evidence-based practice. Supporting allied health professionals to plan and implement KT, using strategies that broadly reach across multiple geographical locations of the workforce, are needed. We piloted KT group telementoring via videoconference as an innovative solution to support and empower a vastly dispersed workforce.

Methods: The 6-month Knowledge Translation Support Service (KTSS) involved monthly, one-hour, virtual group-based support of clinician-led KT projects within state-run hospital and health services. Supported by an independent facilitator, a panel of KT experts and health service leaders provided constructive critique and KT support for four projects from various disciplines (dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work) and health districts. Process evaluation included an assessment of program fidelity, dose delivered and engagement. Program acceptability (participants and panel members) was assessed after each session through online surveys. Effectiveness was captured by survey of KT confidence and qualitative interviews of participants perceived benefits of participation.

Results: All project leads attended each meeting, with 1-2 specific projects discussed each month. On completion, participants reported high program satisfaction and felt that the KTSS met their expectations and learning needs. Overall the participants described beneficial gains with confidence in KT skills.

Conclusions: The telementoring offered exposure to a breadth of expertise not normally accessible, successfully built a team environment in the virtual space and had a positive impact on project progression. Future directions include investing in scalability and sustainability of telementoring strategies for KT support.

Author Bio(s)

Dr Ingrid J Hickman PhD, is an advanced accredited practicing dietitian and the Principal Research Fellow with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane Australia, the Program lead of the Allied health-translating research into practice (AH-TRIP) initiative, and Faculty of Medicine -- University of Queensland..

Dr Ashley E Cameron PhD, is an accredited Speech Pathologist and state-wide Program lead of the Allied Health-translating Research into Practice Initiative. She is also with Clinical Support Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Prue McRae BSc(Phty), MPhil is a Physiotherapist and research fellow with the Royal Brisbane and Women's hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

A/Prof Shelley A Wilkinson PhD, is advanced practicing dietitian and research fellow with the Mater Hospital Brisbane Australia and an NHMRC TRIP fellow. She is also with the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, the University of Queensland, Australia

Dr Maxine O’Brien PhD, MAPS is a registered Psychologist and research fellow with the Darling Downs Health District, Queensland, Australia

Dr Samantha Kozica-Olenski PhD, is an accredited practicing dietitian and a research assistant with the AH-TRIP initiative, Brisbane, Australia. She is also with the Department of Internal Medicine and Aged Care, Royal Brisbane and Woman's Hospital and Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.

Dr Adrienne M Young PhD, is an advanced Accredited practicing Dietitian and an allied health research fellow with Royal Brisbane and Woman's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.

Acknowledgements

Participants (and their supporting managers), panel members and facilitators who volunteered time to the Allied Health – Translating Research into Practice (AH-TRIP) Implementation Support pilot program. Metro South HHS Executive Planning and Innovation Committee (EPIC) and Allied Health Professionals Office of Queensland (AHPOQ) for providing seed funding for this initiative. Members of the AH-TRIP Steering committee and working groups.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2021.2008

Download

Share

Submission Location

 
COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.