Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: The emergency care of children results in considerable financial, emotional, and resource implications for families, health systems and society. Many visits are for minor conditions that could be more aptly treated in other settings or at home (e.g. sore throats, ear infections). Knowledge translation (KT) initiatives that involve parents and emphasize their role as a partner in health, can inform their decision-making, shape treatment expectations, and influence healthcare utilization. We have built a successful model of developing, evaluating, and disseminating KT tools (eBooks, whiteboards, videos) based on the best available synthesized research evidence and the power of arts and story.
Objectives: To demonstrate:
1) our model of engaging parents to develop, evaluate and disseminate KT e-tools;
2) our KT e-tools; and
3) results of usability testing.
Methods: Based on a national parent needs assessment (n = 1097) we select priority health conditions. Using qualitative methods, we interview parents about their experiences of having a child with the conditions being studied. Concomitantly we conduct systematic reviews of the best available research for management of the conditions. Working with creative writers and graphic designers, we develop composite narratives, then integrate synthesized research evidence to develop e-books, whiteboards and interactive infographics. We seek feedback from parents and pediatric emergency healthcare professionals on prototypes. Following refinement, we conduct usability testing, assessing 10 aspects on a 5-point Likert scale (e.g. aesthetics, functionality, understandability). Once usability testing is completed, additional refinements are made and the e-tools are embedded in national platforms for pediatric healthcare.
Results/Conclusions: To date, we have developed nine KT tools for parents focused on croup, gastroenteritis, chronic pain, procedural pain, acute otitis media, and fever. We are currently developing parent tools for bronchiolitis and urinary tract infections. Our focus on developing KT tools for parents is novel and complements other initiatives that target healthcare providers. The model we have developed is transferable to other clinical areas and geographic regions.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Parents are involved in all aspects of the research.
Objectives: To demonstrate:
1) our model of engaging parents to develop, evaluate and disseminate KT e-tools;
2) our KT e-tools; and
3) results of usability testing.
Methods: Based on a national parent needs assessment (n = 1097) we select priority health conditions. Using qualitative methods, we interview parents about their experiences of having a child with the conditions being studied. Concomitantly we conduct systematic reviews of the best available research for management of the conditions. Working with creative writers and graphic designers, we develop composite narratives, then integrate synthesized research evidence to develop e-books, whiteboards and interactive infographics. We seek feedback from parents and pediatric emergency healthcare professionals on prototypes. Following refinement, we conduct usability testing, assessing 10 aspects on a 5-point Likert scale (e.g. aesthetics, functionality, understandability). Once usability testing is completed, additional refinements are made and the e-tools are embedded in national platforms for pediatric healthcare.
Results/Conclusions: To date, we have developed nine KT tools for parents focused on croup, gastroenteritis, chronic pain, procedural pain, acute otitis media, and fever. We are currently developing parent tools for bronchiolitis and urinary tract infections. Our focus on developing KT tools for parents is novel and complements other initiatives that target healthcare providers. The model we have developed is transferable to other clinical areas and geographic regions.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Parents are involved in all aspects of the research.