A knowledge translation implementation strategy to promote evidence-based practices in the management of lateral ankle sprains by Canadian Armed Forces physiotherapists

• Published in: Journal of military, veteran and family health veteran and family health, 2019-09, Vol.5 (2), p.50-59
• Main Authors: Robitaille, Eric, MacRae, Marsha, Rowe, Peter, Aiken, Alice B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ankle; Armed forces; Intervention; Knowledge; Questionnaires; Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 2368-7924; 2368-7924
• DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh.2018-0041

Introduction: Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the third most common musculoskeletal injury among military members, resulting in considerable time loss and a substantial rehabilitation workload. The operational relevance of these consequences to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) should be minimized using evidence-based practices. The purpose of this research project was to use a comprehensive knowledge translation (KT) implementation strategy tailored for CAF physiotherapists to improve their knowledge and use of the rehabilitation interventions and outcome measures recommended in the management of LAS. Methods: All CAF physiotherapists were sent an email invitation to complete an online questionnaire investigating their knowledge and use of rehabilitation interventions and outcome measures recommended in the management of LAS. We then used a distance learning platform to facilitate a 3-hour active, multi-component KT intervention that included summarized research, practice tools, and guided interaction. The primary outcome was the median change reported on the online questionnaire prior to, and 3 months following the intervention. Results: Response rate to the online questionnaire was 75% ( n = 67/89). Respondents reported a change from very good to excellent knowledge and use of rehabilitation interventions recommended in LAS management between baseline and 3 months. Respondents reported a change from poor to good/excellent knowledge and use of outcome measures recommended in LAS management between baseline and 3 months. Respondents reported a KT intervention preference for summarized research. Discussion: Our findings suggest that a KT implementation strategy tailored for CAF physiotherapists can improve their self-reported knowledge and use of outcome measures recommended in LAS management. Lay Summary A distance learning presentation improved the awareness and use of recommended assessments and treatments of ankle sprains by physiotherapists employed in Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centres.