Introduction
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) are crucial for long-term success and improvement. The research article "Identifying existing approaches used to evaluate the sustainability of evidence-based interventions in healthcare: an integrative review" provides valuable insights into the methodologies and outcomes related to sustaining EBIs. This blog aims to help practitioners enhance their skills by understanding and applying the research findings, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children and other populations served by healthcare systems.
Understanding the Research
The integrative review conducted by Flynn et al. (2022) sought to identify and synthesize approaches used to evaluate the sustainability of EBIs in healthcare. The review analyzed 64 studies, highlighting that qualitative designs were predominantly used, with interviews being the most common data collection method. Notably, the review found that 77% of studies focused on sustainability determinants rather than measuring sustainability outcomes.
Key Findings and Implications
The research revealed several important insights:
- Qualitative methods, especially interviews, are frequently used to evaluate sustainability, but mixed-methods approaches could provide a more comprehensive understanding.
- There is a disconnect between evaluating sustainability determinants and measuring sustainability outcomes, suggesting a need for more integrated evaluation frameworks.
- Timing of data collection varied widely, with post-intervention data collection being the most common.
- Frameworks were the most used theoretical approach, followed by models, tools, instruments, and theories.
Applying the Research to Practice
Practitioners can enhance their evaluation skills by considering the following recommendations based on the research findings:
- Adopt Mixed-Methods Approaches: Combining qualitative and quantitative methods can provide a richer understanding of sustainability and its determinants.
- Focus on Sustainability Outcomes: Move beyond evaluating determinants to also measure the long-term outcomes and impacts of EBIs.
- Utilize Frameworks and Models: Leverage existing frameworks and models to guide the evaluation process, ensuring a structured and comprehensive approach.
- Consider Timing of Evaluation: Plan for data collection at multiple time points, including pre- and post-intervention, to capture the evolution of sustainability over time.
Encouraging Further Research
While the integrative review provides a solid foundation, there is still much to learn about evaluating the sustainability of EBIs. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research, exploring new methodologies and frameworks that could enhance the understanding and measurement of sustainability in healthcare interventions.
Conclusion
By applying the insights from this research, practitioners can improve their evaluation processes, leading to more sustainable and impactful healthcare interventions. This, in turn, will contribute to better outcomes for children and other populations, aligning with the mission of organizations like TinyEYE, which provides online therapy services to schools.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Identifying existing approaches used to evaluate the sustainability of evidence-based interventions in healthcare: an integrative review.
