Towards Best Practices of Functional Assesment: An Innovative Model for Research Dissemination
| Principal Investigator(s): | Susan A. Strong (McMaster University)
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| Co-Investigator(s): | Maureen Dobbins, Susan Baptiste, Marcos Costa. Edward Gibson (McMaster University); Michael Polyani, Judy Clarke (Institute for Work & Health)
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| Sponsoring Institution: | McMaster University |
Objective
Objectives were two-fold: first, to promote evidence-based approaches to the delivery of Functional Assessment (FA) services and use of FA findings and secondly, to evaluate an innovative method for research transfer and uptake designed to encourage reflective, research-informed practice.
Method
The methods employed were within the philosophy and principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR). This approach is distinguished by a self-help philosophy whereby participants are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary for critical reflection, analysis, planning and action. Within this paradigm, knowledge is considered a collection of empirical data, experiences and values. Future Search is a large group change method involving a 2.5-day conference, in which diverse stakeholders establish common ground, and create a desired future together through their commitment to action. A modified Future Search Process was used as a new participatory method for research transfer and uptake involving joint researcher-user interaction, collective learning, and collaborative change. The particular focus was on practices surrounding performance-based FAs specifically, the delivery of FA services and the use of FA findings to determine an injured worker’s ability to function at work. Participants were recruited for two cohorts: one to participate in the innovation and another as a comparison group.
The project was carried out in three overlapping phases: the orientation of potential participants and development of materials; the mounting of an 87 member Future Search Conference with stakeholder representation from the whole FA system; the follow-up of action plans in seven small Action Groups with two whole group meetings and overall evaluation of the innovation. The Future Search process was enriched by providing research study findings, and augmented by the on-going support from the research team. The modified Future Search process was systematically evaluated using conference evaluation questionnaires, pre-post innovation surveys, in-depth interviews and a comparison group (who received written research summary).
Results
There was a clear desire for positive collaborative change among the individuals involved in this complex community and the system as a whole. Outcomes from the action groups included the development of educational and decision-making tools for use by all network partners. The types of changes that took place reflect an uptake of research findings and participation in reflective evidence-based practice. The overwhelming majority (91%) of participants exposed to the innovation believed that their involvement in the process contributed to positive changes in their FA practices. The innovation participants were two times more likely than their counterparts in the comparison group to report changes to practice. In summary, the evidence from this study suggested that a modified Future Search process was effective at facilitating knowledge transfer and uptake. In addition, there is support for a Future Search model to enable diverse stakeholders to talk and listen to each other, establish common ground, as well as to deal constructively with differing power levels amongst participants, and stimulate collaborative action.
For more information:
strongs@mcmaster.ca
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