scholarly journals Looking into mechanisms of change: Evaluation of a multifaceted implementation strategy to change pain management behavior of care workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thekla Brunkert ◽  
Michael Simon ◽  
Franziska Zúñiga

Abstract BackgroundUnderutilization of evidence-based pain management in nursing homes is common. Evidence towards effective approaches to improve adoption of evidence-based practices in nursing homes is limited. To get a better understanding of the impact of our multi-faceted implementation strategies, care worker training workshops and the introduction of trained pain champions, this study explored the underlying mechanisms of the implementation strategies using behavioral theory.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods evaluation alongside an implementation- effectiveness study in four Swiss nursing homes. Based on an a priori contextual analysis in the participating homes implementation strategies were developed. Furthermore, we developed a conceptual framework describing hypotheses concerning determinants of implementation and mechanisms of change underlying our implementation strategies.Care workers’ questionnaire surveys were conducted at baseline (n=136), after three (n= 99) and six months (n=83) to assess self-efficacy in pain management and self-reported guideline adoption. We computed linear mixed-effect models to assess changes over time in self-efficacy and logistic regressions to assess associations between self-efficacy and guideline adoption. Concurrently, we conducted focus groups with care workers (n=8) to explore their response to the implementation strategies and to gain a deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms. After transcription, interview data was analyzed using content analysis.ResultsOverall, there was a significant increase in self-efficacy after three and six months (p<0.001). Self-reported adoption of guideline components ranged between 44% and 73% depending on the component. We found significant associations between self-efficacy and adoption of two guideline components, i.e. performing a comprehensive pain assessment and using an observational pain assessment tool in cognitively impaired residents.Qualitative findings showed that the training workshops and pain champions were received positively by care workers. Focus group participants reported to be more attentive to residents` pain experience and to assess and document pain more frequently and with more detail than before.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the importance of continuous commitment of an implementation facilitator, e.g., a pain champion, within an organization. Regarding persistent implementation challenges, a theory-based conceptual model contributes to the overall understanding.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03471390)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Wang ◽  
Lynette Deveaux ◽  
Lesley Cottrell ◽  
Xiaoming Li ◽  
Richard Adderley ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Effective implementation strategies are needed to enhance the success of evidence-based prevention programs. The current study evaluates the effects of two implementation strategies on teachers’ implementation of an evidenced-based HIV intervention.Methods: Using our 7-item Pre-Implementation School Screening tool, we identified teachers who were at-risk for not implementing the Focus on Youth HIV-risk reduction intervention curriculum which targets middle and high school youth. After completing a two-day curriculum workshop, 84 low- and moderate-performing teachers were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions and were asked to teach the intervention curriculum for nearly two months. This optimization trial examines the impact of two implementation strategies including biweekly monitoring/feedbacks (BMF) and site-based assistance/mentorship (SAM). The primary outcome is implementation fidelity defined as number of core activities taught. General linear model was used to examine the association of the implementation strategies with implementation fidelity.Results: BMF and SAM were significantly associated with teachers’ implementation fidelity. Teachers who received both BFM and SAM taught the greatest numbers of core activities, followed by teachers who received either BMF or SAM. Teachers who did not receive BMF or SAM taught the lowest numbers of core activities (15.0 vs. 7.9 vs. 6.9 vs. 4.1, p< 0.001). Teachers’ confidence in implementing five core activities, attitudes towards sex education in schools, and perceived principal support were significantly related to increased self-efficacy, which in turn was related to teachers’ fidelity of implementation. Teacher full attendance at the training workshop and teachers’ sustained implementation of FOYC in the prior school year were related to increased implementation fidelity. Conclusion: BMF and SAM are effective in promoting teachers’ implementation of youth evidence-based interventions. Researchers and future program implementers should consider teacher training, teachers’ attitudes towards sex education, perceived principal support and self-efficacy when attempting to maintain the effects of teacher-delivered interventions in schools.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M Zhu ◽  
Jennifer Stinson ◽  
Lori Palozzi ◽  
Kevin Weingarten ◽  
Mary-Ellen Hogan ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: A previous audit performed at a tertiary/quaternary pediatric hospital in Toronto, Ontario, demonstrated suboptimal assessment and treatment of children’s pain. Knowledge translation (KT) initiatives (education, reminders, audit and feedback) were implemented to address identified care gaps; however, the impact is unknown.OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of KT initiatives on pain outcomes including process outcomes (eg, pain assessment and management practices) and clinical outcomes (eg, pain prevalence and intensity); and to benchmark additional pain practices, particularly opioid administration and painful procedures.METHODS: Medical records at The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario) were reviewed on a single day in September 2007. Pain assessment and management practices, and pain prevalence and intensity in the preceding 24 h were recorded on a standardized data collection form. Where possible, pain outcomes were compared with previous audit results.RESULTS: Records of 265 inpatients were audited. Sixty-three per cent of children underwent a documented pain assessment compared with 27% in an audit conducted previously (P<0.01). Eighty-three per cent of children with documented pain received at least one pain management intervention. Overall, 51% of children received pharmacological therapy, and 15% received either a psychological or physical pain-relieving intervention. Of those assessed, 44% experienced pain in the previous 24 h versus 66% in the previous audit (P<0.01). Fewer children experienced severe pain compared with the first audit (8.7% versus 26.1%; P<0.01). One-third of children received opioids; 19% of these had no recorded pain assessment. Among 131 children who underwent a painful procedure, 21% had a concurrent pain assessment. Painful procedures were accompanied by a pain-relieving intervention in 12.5% of cases.CONCLUSIONS: Following KT initiatives, significant improvements in pain processes (pain assessment documentation and pain management interventions) and clinical outcomes (pain prevalence, pain intensity) were observed. Further improvements are recommended, specifically with respect to procedural pain practices and opioid utilization patterns.


2001 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Farmer ◽  
Rosemary Chesson

Objectives: This study examined users' perceptions of the role and value of the Scottish Health Purchasing Information Centre (SHPIC) from 1995 to 1998.Methods: Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data from Scottish GP fundholders and health board managers at two stages.Results: Initially, purchasers sought help in identifying the most relevant information. By 1997, while some appreciated the clinical and cost-effectiveness information produced, others were critical of lack of timely production and apparent lack of cooperation between agencies.Conclusions: New U.K. agencies can learn from SHPIC's problems, specifically in producing clear, coordinated, timely, independent, and well-marketed information with implementation strategies.Policy Implications: It is important to evaluate the impact of agencies to produce and disseminate evidence-based information, even if this has to be done pragmatically rather than as an outcomes-based assessment. Evidence from evaluations can inform direction and strategy for existing and new agencies.


Author(s):  
Palle Storm ◽  
Ruth Lowndes

Nursing homes for seniors are an integral part of the Canadian and Swedish welfare states; however, daily work takes place within different organisational contexts. In contrast to Sweden, Canadian nursing homes are larger, have lower staffing levels and are oriented towards a medical care model. In both countries, shaped by staffing shortages, there are more racialised workers employed in the care sector. Earlier research has noted how racialised staff might be exposed to racism from residents. In this study, we explore care workers’ experiences of racism and their perceptions of how racism is managed in the different organisational contexts.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (16) ◽  
pp. 1640-1646 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hui ◽  
Eduardo Bruera

Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms in patients with cancer. In this review, we discuss an evidence-based approach to personalized pain assessment and management. Recent insights into the pain expression pathway have led to a paradigm shift in pain management, allowing clinicians to deliver personalized treatments tailored to the individual's needs. Personalized pain management begins with systematic screening, followed by comprehensive pain assessment. Impeccable characterization of pain informs its etiology and the mechanism to guide treatment choices. Identification of modulators of pain expression such as psychological distress, alcoholism, substance use, and delirium allow clinicians to further tailor treatment recommendations. Documentation of a personalized pain goal provides an individualized response criterion. A multidimensional treatment plan is then formulated targeting the pain mechanism, etiologic factors, and modulators. Finally, longitudinal monitoring customized to the individual's needs allows clinicians to improve adherence and, ultimately, to optimize pain control over time.


2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Osterbrink ◽  
Zsuzsa Bauer ◽  
Barbara Mitterlehner ◽  
Irmela Gnass ◽  
Patrick Kutschar

BACKGROUND: Pain is very common among nursing home residents. The assessment of pain is a prerequisite for effective multiprofessional pain management. Within the framework of the German health services research project, ‘Action Alliance Pain-Free City Muenster’, the authors investigated pain assessment adherence according to the German national Expert Standard for Pain Management in Nursing, which is a general standard applicable to all chronic/acute pain-affected persons and highly recommended for practice.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the state of pain assessment and to identify need for improvement in 12 nursing homes in a German city.METHODS: In the present study, the authors used an ex-post-facto design (survey methodology). Available written policies for routine pain assessment in residents ≥65 years of age were reviewed and a standardized online survey completed by 151 of 349 nurses in 12 nursing home facilities was conducted between September 2010 and April 2011.RESULTS: Most of the included nursing homes provided written policies for pain assessment, and the majority of nurses reported that they assess and regularly reassess pain. However, observational tools for residents with severe cognitive impairment and written reassessment schedules were lacking in many facilities or were inconsistent.CONCLUSIONS: Essentially, pain assessment appeared to be feasible in the majority of the German nursing homes studied. However, the absence or inconsistency of reassessment schedules indicate that pain management guidelines should include a detailed and explicit reassessment schedule for the heterogenic needs of nursing home residents. For residents with severe cognitive impairment, assessment tools are needed that are simple to use and clearly indicate the presence or absence of pain.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2;13 (1;2) ◽  
pp. 109-116
Author(s):  
Ramsin M. Benyamin

Interventional pain management now stands at the crossroads at what is described as “the perfect storm.” The confluence of several factors has led to devastating results for interventional pain management. This article seeks to provide a perspective to various issues producing conditions conducive to creating a “perfect storm” such as use and abuse of interventional pain management techniques, and in the same context, use and abuse of various non-interventional techniques. The rapid increase in opioid drug prescribing, costs to health care, large increases in death rates, and random and rampant drug testing, can also lead to increases in health care utilization. Other important aspects that are seldom discussed include medico-legal and ethical perspectives of individual and professional societal opinions and the interpretation of diagnostic accuracy of controlled diagnostic blocks. The aim of this article is to discuss the impact of several factors on interventional pain management and overuse, abuse, waste, and fraud; inappropriate application without evidence-based literature support (sometimes leading to selective use or non-use of randomized or observational studies for proving biased viewpoints — post priori rather than a priori), and issues related to multiple professional societies having their own agendas to push rather than promulgating the science of interventional pain management. This perspective is based on a review of articles published in this issue of Pain Physician, information in the public domain, and other relevant articles. Based on the results of this review, various issues of relevance to modern interventional pain management are discussed and the viewpoints of several experts debated. In conclusion, supporters of interventional pain management disagree on multiple aspects for various reasons while detractors claim that interventional pain management should not exist as a speciality. Issues to be addressed include appropriate use of evidence-based medicine (EBM), overuse, overutilization, and abuse. Key words: Interventional pain management, interventional techniques, physician payment reform, fraud, abuse, evidence-based medicine, health care costs, comparative effectiveness research, bias


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