Feasibility and Acceptability of a Pilot Knowledge Translation Telementoring Program for Allied Health Professionals

Purpose: Knowledge translation (KT) in the health system is critical for the delivery of evidence-based practice. Supporting allied health professionals to plan and implement KT, using strategies that broadly reach across multiple geographical locations of the workforce, are needed. We piloted KT group telementoring via videoconference as an innovative solution to support and empower a vastly dispersed workforce. Methods: The 6-month Knowledge Translation Support Service (KTSS) involved monthly, one-hour, virtual group-based support of clinician-led KT projects within state-run hospital and health services. Supported by an independent facilitator, a panel of KT experts and health service leaders provided constructive critique and KT support for four projects from various disciplines (dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work) and health districts. Process evaluation included an assessment of program fidelity, dose delivered and engagement. Program acceptability (participants and panel members) was assessed after each session through online surveys. Effectiveness was captured by survey of KT confidence and qualitative interviews of participants perceived benefits of participation. Results: All project leads attended each meeting, with 1-2 specific projects discussed each month. On completion, participants reported high program satisfaction and felt that the KTSS met their expectations and learning needs. Overall the participants described beneficial gains with confidence in KT skills. Conclusions: The telementoring offered exposure to a breadth of expertise not normally accessible, successfully built a team environment in the virtual space and had a positive impact on project progression. Future directions include investing in scalability and sustainability of telementoring strategies for KT support

Evaluation and implementation of obesity prevention programs

Preventing obesity is an international health priority. However, few prevention programs have been conducted and of those very few have included a formal comprehensive community evaluation. This thesis describes the design of a multi-level evaluation with application to a large weight gain prevention program, which aims to prevent weight gain in women living in rural Victorian communities. The embedded mixed-methods evaluation was guided by the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance), generating new knowledge in program implementation practices and processes, across stakeholders, researchers and consumers. This thesis advances knowledge through the identification of strategies to optimise prevention program implementation and informs scale-up to improve population health outcomes

Evaluation and implementation of obesity prevention programs

Preventing obesity is an international health priority. However, few prevention programs have been conducted and of those very few have included a formal comprehensive community evaluation. This thesis describes the design of a multi-level evaluation with application to a large weight gain prevention program, which aims to prevent weight gain in women living in rural Victorian communities. The embedded mixed-methods evaluation was guided by the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance), generating new knowledge in program implementation practices and processes, across stakeholders, researchers and consumers. This thesis advances knowledge through the identification of strategies to optimise prevention program implementation and informs scale-up to improve population health outcomes

‘I will walk out of here’: qualitative analysis of older rehabilitation patients' perceptions of mobility

Objectives: To understand the motivation of older rehabilitation inpatients for mobilisation, and identify barriers and enablers to greater mobilisation. Methods: Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with older rehabilitation inpatients. All interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic and inductive techniques. Results: From 23 interviews, we found that older patients strongly value mobilisation during rehabilitation admission, to get better and maintain identity, personhood and meaningful connections. At the patient level, mobilisation was impacted by patient's confidence, family support and symptom management. At the organisational level, barriers to mobilisation included lack of timely staff support, inflexible routines, limited social opportunities, lack of physical resources, and poor communication. Conclusion: Recognising and understanding motivators, enablers and barriers to mobilising during subacute hospitalisation of older patients is an essential step towards developing and implementing successful strategies to promote greater mobilisation. Addressing mobilisation barriers requires a multifaceted approach at the patient and organisational level