Implementing evidence in practice: do action lists work?

Journal article

BACKGROUND: Much continuing medical education is known to have a limited impact on subsequent clinical behaviour. An option to improve this is to ask participants to develop specific actions about their clinical behaviour changes. METHODS: We aimed to investigate the content and outcomes of GPs' action lists produced on a one-day continuing professional development (CPD) course. Actions were recorded during a one-day course, and followed up six months later. RESULTS: Of 1696 delegates attending the nine courses, 306 (18%) provided their action plan and 139 of these responded to the questionnaire at six months (response rate 45%). The 306 delegates recorded a total of 1443 actions (4.7 per delegate). Of these, 359 were subsequently explored by follow-up questionnaire at six months of which 147 (41%; 95% CI 36%-46%) were 'successful', an average of completed actions of 1.9 per GP. Four significant facilitators and four significant barriers to success were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Delegates attending the one-day CPD course recorded an average of 4.7 intended practice changes, and completed 41%. Further research is needed on how to increase the number of planned and completed actions.

Authors: Haley, M; Lettis, A; Rose, P; Jenkins, L; Glasziou, P

• Journal: Education for primary care : an official publication of the Association of Course Organisers, National Association of GP Tutors, World Organisation of Family Doctors
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 107-114
• Publication date: 2012-03-01
• EISSN: 1475-990X
• ISSN: 1473-9879
• Language: English
• Keywords: General Practice; Questionnaires; Humans; Education, Medical, Continuing; Physician's Practice Patterns; Attitude of Health Personnel