Dr. Peter Selby (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health); Dr. Marilyn Herie (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health); Rosa Dragonetti (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health); Julia Lecce (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)

Background

TEACH (Training Enhancement in Applied Cessation Counselling and Health) is a knowledge translation (KT) project offering an interprofessional, university-accredited certificate program in intensive tobacco cessation counselling. The Knowledge to Action Framework (Straus et al., 2009) provided a theoretical model guiding development and application of KT offerings.

Objective

To operationalize a theoretical model to inform the iterative, dynamic and complex process by which knowledge is translated to direct practice.

Methods

KT activities followed the Knowledge-to-Action cycle: TEACH developed a 40-hour certificate program synthesizing evidence-based cessation approaches, with continuous revisions as new evidence becomes available. Pre-post learning assessments helped practitioners identify/review/select professionally relevant knowledge. Ongoing Community of Practice (CoP) facilitated adaptation to local contexts, and 3-month follow-up surveys allowed assessment of barriers to knowledge use. KT was further evaluated via 6-month follow-up, with sustainability promoted through ongoing networking and CPD activities.

Results

Since Feb 2007, 1953 practitioners attended TEACH, with mean course evaluation ratings of 4.7/5 (5=highest). Learning assessment data showed significant increase in self-reported feasibility (p<.0000001), importance (p<0.00001) and confidence (p<0.000001) of changing practice and 94% indicated intentions to implement knowledge/skills. At 6 month follow-up, 78.3% reported that TEACH impacted knowledge/skills to a high/very high extent, 71.9% reported offering cessation interventions, and 90.5% reported KT activities in their organizations/communities.

Discussion and Conclusion

Few CME initiatives demonstrate operationalization of KT theoretical models. Results suggest that this approach has a positive impact on KT and cessation treatment capacity. This model can be adapted to other CME initiatives targeting health behaviour change.

Declaration

The TEACH project is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport’s Smoke-Free Ontario initiative.