The evaluation of an evidence-based clinical answer format for pediatricians

Abstract

BackgroundClinicians are increasingly using electronic sources of evidence to support clinical decision-making; however, there are multiple demands on clinician time, and summarised and synthesised evidence is needed. Clinical Answers (CA) have been developed to address this need; the CA is a synthesised evidence-based summary that supports point-of-care clinical decision-making. The aim of this paper is to report on a survey used to test and improve the CA format.MethodsAn online survey was sent to pediatricians via e-mail and posted on a child health clinical standards website. Quantitative data analysis consisted primarily of descriptive statistics; qualitative data analysis consisted of content analysis.ResultsEighty-three pediatricians responded to the survey. Most respondents found the CA useful or very useful (93%) and agreed or strongly agreed that the layout was effective and allowed them to quickly locate critical information (82%). Quantitative and qualitative data suggested that respondents thought there should be less detail in the linked figures and tables (p = 0.0002), but overall respondents seemed to think there was an appropriate level of detail in most sections of the CA.ConclusionsBased on the quantitative and qualitative survey responses, major and minor modifications to the CA format were implemented, such as removing forest plots, adding links in each addendum to bring the user back to the front page, and adding an 'Implications for practice' section to the CA. Findings suggest that CAs will be a useful tool for pediatricians; thus, the research team has now begun creating CAs to assist busy clinicians in their day-to-day clinical practice by providing high-quality information for decision-making at the point-of-care.

Challenges facing vaccinators in the 21stcentury: results from a focus group qualitative study

“…6,10,[12][13][14][15][16] Other studies examining communication methods have highlighted parents' needs for impartial discussions about vaccines from HCPs, using patient-tailored information. [17][18][19] Much less is written about the challenges HCPs themselves face in undertaking this role. In our study, HCPs identified that patients' low vaccine education/miseducation, untimely and/or unclear vaccine information, frequently changing vaccine schedules, lack of time in consultations, lack of central patient record systems, pressure to achieve vaccination targets, and vaccine cost, all highly impacted their efficiency and enthusiasm.…”

Role of healthcare practitioners in rotavirus disease awareness and vaccination – insights from a survey among caregivers

“…Rotavirus (RV) infection is the primary cause of viral acute gastroenteritis (GE) in infants and children <5 years old. 1,2 It is estimated that by the age of 5 years, nearly every child will have had at least one episode of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE). 3 Although maintaining good hygiene like handwashing, sanitation along with exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, vitamin A supplementation and safe drinking water are essential to prevent the spread of infections, RV vaccination has proven to be the most effective approach to protect children against RVGE disease.…”

Is immunisation education in midwifery degrees adequate?

“…On the other hand, poor communication and lack of in-depth knowledge about immunisation can contribute to rejection of vaccinations, especially for vaccine hesitant parents. 1 Research shows that parents' decision-making about childhood vaccines begins during pregnancy. 2 Pregnant women are also now required to consider recommended antenatal vaccines.…”