In the Know Café: How a virtual journal club supports Knowledge Translation. Linda Axen, MN, BSN, RN Nursing Research Facilitator, Quality and Innovation, Northern Health, Prince George, BC.
Knowledge to Action (KTA) Process In the Know Café-virtual journal club was created to facilitate the KTA process in Northern Health (NH). The story of this virtual journal club is presented around a framework of the Action Cycle as outlined by Graham et al.(2006). The seven phases of the framework are: identify the KTA gaps; adapt knowledge to the local context; assess barriers/facilitators to knowledge use; select, tailor and implement interventions; monitor knowledge use; evaluate outcomes and sustain knowledge use. Knowledge Translation (KT) defined: “the dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system(CIHR).”
Identify the KTA Gaps • Distance, isolation and shift work limit participation in journal clubs • Participation in journal clubs recognized as a professional development activity • Some nurses may lack the skills and confidence to present research articles (Berger, Hardin & Topp, 2011).
Assessing Barriers/Facilitators to Knowledge Use
Screenshot of on-line discussion forum
• Internet access needed • Teleconferences and webinars facilitate group discussion • On-line platform for blog postings and webex account provided by Innovation and Development Commons (IDC) collaboration between University of Northern BC (UNBC) and NH. • August 2013 discovered on-line blog postings were not visible to all users. Problem corrected.
Selecting, Tailoring, Implementing Interventions
Adapting Knowledge to Local Context NH serves 300,000 people over an area of 600,000 square kilometers In May 2012, of the over 7,700 people working for NH, 1899 (25%) were RNs Within NH there are over 24 hospitals, 14 long term care facilities and many public health units (NH Quick Facts,nd)
“How to” narrated Power Point created to support new attendees Meeting invitations sent out rather than notification emails Surveying attendee pre-session to determine desired session content Evaluation feedback will guide future topics.
Monitoring Knowledge Use • Use of In the Know Café-virtual journal club as a KT venue is tracked through numbers of attendees and on-line posting interactions • Dynamic venue for KT between Knowledge Consumers and Knowledge Producers (feedback loop to the researcher) • Use of knowledge by individual attendees has not been measured yet
Evaluating Outcomes First IDC Blog posting January 9, 2012 As of August 15, 2013: • Seven sessions completed • Total membership: 33 • Attendees have included UNBC students, NH staff, UNBC faculty, external attendees interested in the topic of inquiry and NH leaders. • Evaluation of latest session showed 25 % of attendees RNs • 50% reported attending for the first time • 100% had never contributed to an on-line blog • Limitations of evaluation: n-4; session attendance=9
Sustaining Knowledge Use • Continue to actively promote engagement in this KT activity • Seek feedback from members for future direction/topics • Facilitate skill development needed to increase the confidence of attendees to present topics of interest • Increase the teleconference component to regular monthly sessions (fourth Wednesday of each month). References Berger, J., Hardin, H., & Topp, R. (2011). Implementing a virtual journal club in a clinical nursing setting. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development 27(3), 116-120. Canadian Institute of Health Research. (2013). Knowledge Translation. Retrieved from http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/39033.html Graham, I., Logan, J., Harrison, M., Straus, S., Tetroe, J., Caswell, W., & Robinson, N.(2006). Lost in Knowledge Translation: Time for a Map? Journal of Continuing Education in Health Professionals, 26(1), 13-24. Northern Health.(n.d.). Northern Health Quick Facts. Retrieved from http://www.northernhealth.ca/AboutUs/QuickFacts.aspx