RACP - Intervention >> Dissemination of the evidence to clinician

Intervention >> Dissemination of the evidence to clinicians

Dissemination of the evidence to clinicians is one strategy to assist clinical teams. Clinical Support Systems Project teams found that clinician engagement with evidence-based guidelines was enhanced when the evidence was contrasted with treatment outcome data reflecting the clinician’s current clinical practice.

It is advisable to use multiple formats to present the evidence, from full text guidelines to concise one-page summaries, as clinicians will vary in their preferences. The Brisbane Cardiac Consortium project’s range of different formats provides a useful illustration.

"Hospital guidelines were produced as full text guides, quick-reference flowcharts, pocket guides, and a 6-page summary for each condition. Concise formats were produced for the majority of users and widely circulated, while full text guides were sent to consultants and hospital libraries. For general practice a desk reference format (double-sided A5 cardboard) was chosen based on divisional experience and previous divisional surveys. Copies of guidelines were also posted on relevant websites."

Brisbane Cardiac Consortium, Final Report

Electronic decision support tools for delivery of evidence at the point of care are also an option.

The development of electronic decision support tools can be both time-consuming and costly, so your project should consider this option carefully before proceeding.