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Translating a health service intervention into a rural setting lessons learned.pdf (528.48 kB)

Translating a health service intervention into a rural setting: lessons learned

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journal contribution
posted on 2019-06-04, 06:10 authored by Elsa Dent, Elizabeth HoonElizabeth Hoon, Alison Kitson, Jonathan KarnonJonathan Karnon, Jonathan Newbury, Gillian Harvey, Tiffany GillTiffany Gill, Lauren Gillis, Justin BeilbyJustin Beilby

Background

Limited research exists on the process of applying knowledge translation (KT) methodology to a rural-based population health intervention.

Methods

This study reports on the implementation and translational stages of a previously described Co-creating KT (Co-KT) framework in the rural town of Port Lincoln, South Australia (population: 14,000). The Co-KT framework involves five steps: (i) collecting local data; (ii) building stakeholder relationships; (iii) designing an evidence-based intervention incorporating local knowledge; (iv) implementation and evaluation of the intervention; and (v) translating the research into policy and practice. Barriers and enablers to the overall Co-KT implementation process were identified. Our intervention focused on musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Results

Although the Co-KT framework was valuable in engaging with the community, translating the final intervention into daily clinical practice was prevented by a lack of an accessible policy or financial framework to anchor the appropriate intervention, a lack of continued engagement with stakeholders, access problems to general practitioners (GPs) and Allied Health Professionals; and the paucity of referrals from GPs to Allied Health Professionals. Consequently, while many aspects of the intervention were successful, including the improvement of both function and pain in study participants, the full implementation of the Co-KT framework was not possible.

Discussion

This study implemented and evaluated a Co-KT framework for a population with MSK conditions, linking locally generated health care system knowledge with academic input. Further policy, health system changes, and on-the-ground support are needed to overcome the identified implementation challenges in order to create sustainable and effective system change.

BMC Health Services Research 201616:62

Funding

The Physiology of Health Systems: Port Lincoln as a case study

National Health and Medical Research Council

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History

Year of publication

2016