The development of knowledge translation tools for parents in pediatric acute care

Article type
Year
Authors
Albrecht L1, Hartling L1, Archibald M1, Dyson M1, Knisley L2, Klassen T2, Scott S1
1University of Alberta, Canada
2University of Manitoba, Canada
Abstract
Background: With increasing demands for family-centered care and patient-oriented health research, strategies are needed for meaningful engagement among researchers, practitioners and health consumers (i.e. patients, caregivers) to effectively bridge the research-practice gap in pediatric acute care. Developing knowledge translation (KT) tools for parents has been proposed as an effective and engaging method of providing complex, evidence-based child health information to support health decision making.

Objectives: To develop and pilot test three KT tools, two videos and one eBook, for parents about pediatric croup and acute gastroenteritis (AGE).

Methods: Relevant systematic reviews were identified and literature searches conducted at three-month intervals from September 2014 to March 2016 to update the evidence underpinning the KT tool content. Qualitative interviews were conducted with parents in the emergency department to understand their experiences and information needs of these conditions. Thematic analysis was conducted to inform the KT tool storyline. Feedback surveys on tool prototypes were conducted with clinicians and parents. Quantitative and qualitative survey data were analysed and incorporated into KT tool revisions. Pilot testing of the final products is currently underway in urban, rural and remote regions.

Results: One new study per condition was incorporated into previously published meta-analyses with no significant changes to intervention efficacy. Composite narratives were constructed from thematic analysis to highlight decision making complexities and emotional aspects of caring for an ill child. Prototype feedback refined tool length, aesthetics, character representation, and additional clinical information. Pilot testing results will be available for presentation in Fall 2016.

Conclusions: By merging rigorous science with parental narratives, these KT tools provide an engaging approach to share systematic review results with the lay public. There is great potential to use this method to develop a number of KT products focused on different conditions and/or interactions between patients/families and the healthcare system.