Implementation guideline evidence-based health information
Duration: 15.06.2018 – 14.12.2020, extended to 14.06.2022
Project management: Prof. Dr. phil. Anke Steckelberg
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Health and Nursing Science
External funding: Innovationsfonds (Healthcare Research), funding code: 01VSF17047
Background
Evidence-based health information (EBGI) is a prerequisite for informed and mutual decision-making. Although the EBGI quality criteria have been defined for years, the implementation into practice is at the moment not very successful. The guideline evidence-based health information is intended for creators of health information with the aim of improving the quality of information material. Parallel to developing the guideline, the competences of the information creators were explored, resulting in setting up a five-day training course with an EbM training module and a module on using the guideline.
Aim of the project is to evaluate the implementation of the guideline evidence-based health information in conjunction with a training course for the creators of health information. We are assuming that, by supporting the development of EBGI with the guideline and complementary training, the quality of the information material will improve when compared to that created without any training.
Methods
The methodological approach follows the guidelines of the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. Following a qualitative pilot study (1), a randomised-controlled study (2) will be carried out.
- In the qualitative pilot study, the 5-day training course was adapted to a Blended Learning Format and shortened by two attendance days; in two courses with creators of health information it was piloted with respect to feasibility and acceptance. Data was collected through structured observations and focus group interviews, the analysis followed the structuring qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. The optimized training course is now available for evaluation.
- The randomized-controlled study (ISRCTN [link: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN96941060], study protocol) included 26 groups of health information creators (ca 1 – 10 people per group) in order to be able to compare the intervention (guideline and training course in Blended Learning Format) with the standard where the guideline is publicly accessible.
The primary endpoint is the degree of implementation of the guideline recommendations. For this, each group of creators developed within the frame of the study an EBGI on a self-chosen topic. The evaluation instrument MAPP‘INFO, based on the recommendations of the guideline, was also developed within the frame of the study and is currently undergoing validation (AsPREDICTED [link: https://aspredicted.org/3zz4g.pdf.], study protocol). The instrument contains criteria for transparence, contents and presentation styles for health information.
A qualitative process evaluation is being conducted at the same time.
Status: 14.03.2022