Information and Communication Technologies for the Dissemination of Clinical Practice Guidelines to Health Professionals: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundThe transfer of research knowledge into clinical practice can be a continuous challenge for researchers. Information and communication technologies, such as websites and email, have emerged as popular tools for the dissemination of evidence to health professionals.ObjectiveThe objective of this systematic review was to identify research on health professionals’ perceived usability and practice behavior change of information and communication technologies for the dissemination of clinical practice guidelines.MethodsWe used a systematic approach to retrieve and extract data about relevant studies. We identified 2248 citations, of which 21 studies met criteria for inclusion; 20 studies were randomized controlled trials, and 1 was a controlled clinical trial. The following information and communication technologies were evaluated: websites (5 studies), computer software (3 studies), Web-based workshops (2 studies), computerized decision support systems (2 studies), electronic educational game (1 study), email (2 studies), and multifaceted interventions that consisted of at least one information and communication technology component (6 studies).ResultsWebsite studies demonstrated significant improvements in perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, but not for knowledge, reducing barriers, and intention to use clinical practice guidelines. Computer software studies demonstrated significant improvements in perceived usefulness, but not for knowledge and skills. Web-based workshop and email studies demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge, perceived usefulness, and skills. An electronic educational game intervention demonstrated a significant improvement from baseline in knowledge after 12 and 24 weeks. Computerized decision support system studies demonstrated variable findings for improvement in skills. Multifaceted interventions demonstrated significant improvements in beliefs about capabilities, perceived usefulness, and intention to use clinical practice guidelines, but variable findings for improvements in skills. Most multifaceted studies demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that health professionals’ perceived usability and practice behavior change vary by type of information and communication technology. Heterogeneity and the paucity of properly conducted studies did not allow for a clear comparison between studies and a conclusion on the effectiveness of information and communication technologies as a knowledge translation strategy for the dissemination of clinical practice guidelines.

Perspectives on Learning and Clinical Practice Improvement for Diabetes in the Hospital: A Review of Educational Interventions for Providers

“…The heterogeneity of studies did not allow for precise conclusion regarding application of knowledge into action. Nonetheless, there is some evidence that clinical decision support systems can favorably impact practice behaviors (63). …”

Nurses' Use and Ways of Understanding Web-Based National Guidelines for Child Healthcare

“…9,10 Traditional printed guidelines are resource intensive and become quickly outdated, while Web-based guidelines have the potential for improved accessibility and credibility if they are continuously reviewed, updated, and widely disseminated. 1,2,11 Implementation of ICT and guidelines in healthcare is influenced by various factors. [3][4][5][6]12 From an organizational perspective, key components for successful adoption in healthcare include management engagement and support, structural and electronic resources, and a supportive culture and environment with implementation facilitators.…”

“…nformation and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to improve access to national guidelines, 1 even if the effectiveness is not entirely clear. 2 The Web is a form of ICT often used for guidelines in healthcare. The Webbased national guideline for personnel in child healthcare (CHC) in Sweden is Rikshandboken (RHB) (www.riksh andboken-bhv.se).…”

“…The implementation of Webbased guidelines could be a challenge and is affected by various factors related to the ICT solution itself, the context in which it should be used, and the user's individual characteristics. [2][3][4][5][6] Thus, for a successful implementation, a bottom-up approach with end user involvement is crucial to make Web-based guidelines relevant for those it is intended to serve. [3][4][5][6] Accordingly, follow-up studies of CHC personnel's use and ways of understanding RHB are essential in the development and implementation process of Web-based guidelines in healthcare.…”

Health Information Technology and Caregiver Interaction: Building Healthy Ecosystems

“…After removing duplicates, references were screened on title and abstract and then on full text. A total of 68 articles were read in full, 47 of which were selected for review due to their depth analysis of caregiver needs [5,16,39,41,44] and their relevance to the research goals.…”