Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Knowledge of current clinical evidence combined with clinical experience is pivotal to evidence-based practice. However, successfully engaging clinicians in the process of: searching for, appraising, and interpreting research evidence is challenging due to competing clinical commitments.
Objectives: The Neurotrauma Evidence Translation (NET) Clinical Fellowship Program aims to build capacity for evidence-based practice and clinical leadership through mentoring clinicians to conduct systematic reviews to inform clinical practice.
Methods: Planning the design and implementation of the NET Clinical Fellowship Program involved a review of similar programs used to engage clinicians in systematic reviews. The program employs a research fellow and research assistant with extensive systematic review experience who are responsible for recruiting appropriate candidates and supporting them in identifying a clinical question, title registration, one-to-one training and mentorship through the entire systematic review process. Topic selection is supported through a related neurotrauma evidence project, The Global Evidence Mapping (GEM) Initiative, which has identified high priority neurotrauma topics where systematic reviews are lacking. The Cochrane Injuries Group has also been consulted to identify potential review topics (including reviews in need of updating).
Results: The program commenced in 2010 and has recruited four clinical fellows to date. Potential challenges, and strategies for addressing these, are presented based on similar reported experiences in the literature.
Conclusions: Programs that engage clinicians in systematic reviews can support implementation of evidence into practice and promote clinical leadership. Consideration should be given to: how clinicians are recruited and engaged within programs, what topics should be addressed, how adequate training and support will be provided to meet candidatesá needs, and how the research findings can impact on local and international practice.
Objectives: The Neurotrauma Evidence Translation (NET) Clinical Fellowship Program aims to build capacity for evidence-based practice and clinical leadership through mentoring clinicians to conduct systematic reviews to inform clinical practice.
Methods: Planning the design and implementation of the NET Clinical Fellowship Program involved a review of similar programs used to engage clinicians in systematic reviews. The program employs a research fellow and research assistant with extensive systematic review experience who are responsible for recruiting appropriate candidates and supporting them in identifying a clinical question, title registration, one-to-one training and mentorship through the entire systematic review process. Topic selection is supported through a related neurotrauma evidence project, The Global Evidence Mapping (GEM) Initiative, which has identified high priority neurotrauma topics where systematic reviews are lacking. The Cochrane Injuries Group has also been consulted to identify potential review topics (including reviews in need of updating).
Results: The program commenced in 2010 and has recruited four clinical fellows to date. Potential challenges, and strategies for addressing these, are presented based on similar reported experiences in the literature.
Conclusions: Programs that engage clinicians in systematic reviews can support implementation of evidence into practice and promote clinical leadership. Consideration should be given to: how clinicians are recruited and engaged within programs, what topics should be addressed, how adequate training and support will be provided to meet candidatesá needs, and how the research findings can impact on local and international practice.