Part 5.
Adapt: Adapt the information to the local context.

How do I use the information in decision making/policy brief?

(Estimated time: 0.5 hours)

Research evidence comes from studies of particular samples of populations. You will have noticed when looking at the critical appraisal tools, all include criteria related to “can I use this research with my patients (or population)?” In every instance you must consider how participants in the study were included or excluded.

Some people take this to the extreme, claiming they can only use studies done in their own institution. It might be better to ask if there are important reasons why you cannot apply this evidence to your situation.

For example, from our scenario, we may not be interested in studies done in affluent neighborhoods if the community from our scenario is comprised mostly of low-income families that are new to Canada. (This could influence whether or not the children receiving the intervention already own a helmet, have parents who understand bike safety and bike helmet use, etc.) In addition, our scenario takes place in a province where bike helmet legislation for children already exists. Evidence from the summary statement we have reviewed excludes bicycle helmet legislation as a component of the intervention, so it is unclear whether bike helmet legislation in your community may have any impact on the effectiveness of the helmet promotion interventions. However, existence of legislation would most likely not have a negative influence on the success of a helmet promotion program and might only enhance it.

In addition, you must consider how this research evidence fits with other factors:

• Magnitude of health issue in local setting
• Potential “reach” of the proposed intervention
• Costs (direct and indirect) of implementing the proposed intervention
• Availability of resources (personnel)
• Organizational expertise and capacity
• Political acceptability of the proposed intervention
• Social acceptability of the proposed intervention

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