Team-based research appraisal activities among allied health in rural
and regional health services
Abstract
Rational and aim Health services are expected to provide
evidence-informed care and services. Journal clubs have been the
mainstay of evidence appraisal activities for many clinical teams
however the translation of findings to changes in clinical practice are
less certain. The current study examines the operationalization of
evidence appraisal activities by allied health teams in a regional and
rural area and their connection to practice change. Method A
cross-sectional online survey of allied health managers and team leaders
across three health services in a regional and rural area in Victoria,
Australia. Participants were asked to describe the evidence appraisal
activities undertaken within their teams with respect to operational
factors such as the approach, forum, frequency and platform.
Participants were also asked about their perceptions of the capacity
within teams to undertake evidence appraisal, impact of the activities
and the importance of different stakeholder groups in the clinical
practice change process. Results Sixteen allied health managers or team
leaders responded to the survey. Almost all teams engaged in some form
of regular evidence appraisal activity, either within a unidisciplinary
or multidisciplinary format. Features of the activities varied however
participants commonly reported the perceived impact of such activities
on clinical practice was moderate or low. Participants considered
themselves, as managers and their clinicians key to identifying the need
for, and leading changes to clinical practice. Conclusion Allied health
teams regularly engage in evidence-appraisal activities in regional and
rural health services. While impact of these activities on clinical
practice remains unclear, the findings of this survey study suggest the
impact is moderate at best. A region-wide approach to team-based
evidence appraisal activities underpinned by research translation
framework(s) may improve the impact of these activities on clinical
practice.