A training programme facilitating guideline use of occupational health professionals: a feasibility study

• Published in: BMC medical education 2018-10, Vol.18 (1), p.226-226, Article 226
• Main Authors: Vooijs, Marloes, Bossen, Daniël, Hoving, Jan L, Wind, Haije, Frings-Dresen, Monique H W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Attitude of Health Personnel; Barriers; Chronic illnesses; Clinical Competence - standards; Educational Methods; Evidence; Feasibility Studies; Female; Guidance; Guideline adherence; Guidelines; Health Personnel; Higher education; Humans; Knowledge; Knowledge Level; Male; Medical Education; Medical personnel; Occupational health; Occupational health physicians; Occupational medicine; Occupational Medicine - education; Occupational Safety and Health; Physicians; Physicians, Primary Care - education; Practice guidelines (Medicine); Professionals; Trainees; Training; Training programme
• ISSN: 1472-6920; 1472-6920
• DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1223-1

To evaluate whether a training programme is a feasible approach to facilitate occupational health professionals' (OHPs) use of knowledge and skills provided by a guideline. Feasibility was evaluated by researching three aspects: 'acceptability', 'implementation' and 'limited efficacy'. Statements on acceptability and implementation were rated by OHPs on 10-point visual analogue scales after following the training programme (T2). Answers were analysed using descriptive statistics. Barriers to and facilitators of implementation were explored through open-ended questions at T2, which were qualitatively analysed. Limited efficacy was evaluated by measuring the level of knowledge and skills at baseline (T0), after reading the guideline (T1) and directly after completing the training programme (T2). Increase in knowledge and skills was analysed using a non-paramatric Friedman test and post-hoc Wilcoxon signed rank tests (two-tailed). The 38 OHPs found the training programme acceptable, judging that it was relevant (M: 8, SD: 1), increased their capability (M: 7, SD: 1), adhered to their daily practice (M: 8, SD: 1) and enhanced their guidance and assessment of people with a chronic disease (M: 8, SD: 1). OHPs found that it was feasible to implement the programme on a larger scale (M: 7, SD: 1) but foresaw barriers such as 'time', 'money' and organizational constraints. The reported facilitators were primarily related to the added value of the knowledge and skills to the OHPs' guidance and assessment, and that the programme taught them to apply the evidence in practice. Regarding limited efficacy, a significant increase was seen in OHPs' knowledge and skills over time (X (2) = 53.656, p