Knowledge translation modules to support initiatives

Description

The Multidisciplinary Collaborative Primary Maternity Care Project (MCP2) has created seven knowledge transfer modules to support the development of a multidisciplinary collaborative primary maternity care model. These knowledge translation modules are useful for decision-makers and practitioners who need to gather and share information for program and policy initiatives. The first four modules focus on developing an initiative, while the remaining modules look at program evaluation and economic evaluation. The seven modules are:

1. Conducting an Environmental Scan

2. Getting Started

3. Building Teams

4. Communicating Effectively

5. Improving the Collaborative Model

6. Evaluating the Collaborative Model

7. Determining the Cost Implications of the Collaborative Model

Steps for Using Method/Tool

The MCPMC modules begin with an "About the Modules" guide that describes the knowledge transfer modules. This includes a process for identifying gaps and determining how this model will integrate with existing primary maternity care models, assessed by an environmental scan. The seven knowledge transfer modules are:

1. Conducting an Environmental Scan

An environmental scan is an important part of any change strategy because it provides essential contextual information for charting a future course of action. The environmental scan examines the current situation and seeks to determine what is and is not working. Assessing the current situation is critical to frame and operationalize the situation as it could be. This module includes a needs assessment checklist, an important component of the environmental scan. Needs assessments: contribute to policy development; support resource development or allocation; achieve consensus among different stakeholder groups; and develop a knowledge base about need for services. A needs assessment is a three-phase process that includes preparation, implementation and reporting. The module outlines steps for each phase. When beginning a needs assessment, consider the following: What are the purposes of the assessment? What are the resources available? What is the political context in which the assessment is conducted? How will the assessment information be used?

2. Getting Started

This module describes how to define the vision, mission and values for the team and develop guidelines and protocols. There are two appendices: Tool A: Guideline Development Workbook Tool B: Implementation Planning Booklet

3. Building Teams

This module contains the following components: Critical elements of a successful team Stages of team development Common types of team problems Essential elements enhancing the collaborative team Appendices: Tools to support team-building

4. Communicating Effectively

This module contains information about the types of communication (verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal), context, effective listening, active listening, dealing with conflict and verbal communication tools. The module also includes useful websites and resources.

5. Improving the Collaborative Model

This module provides practical tools for continuous improvement. The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Adopt) approach is a proven systematic method for examining and improving processes within an organzation. The module lists specific tools for each step with instructions on using each tool.

• Step 1: Plan the Change Brainstorming Gap Analysis Nominal Group Technique - a discussion process to reach consensus on decisions Solution Matrix - reduces many possible solutions to 4-6 best possible solutions
• Step 2: Do a Trial Run Flow Charting - steps to create a flow chart to outline links between processes
• Step 3: Check the Effect Check sheet - to record tallies or frequencies and analyze results
• Step 4: Act or Modify Benchmarking - establishes goals and objectives based on accepted standards Cause and Effect Diagrams (or fishbone diagrams) - determine potential causes of a problem Histograms - bar graphs that show distribution of data Pareto Charts - a type of histogram that rank orders data Run Charts - show data and trends over time Scatter Diagrams - test for cause and effect relationships Control Charts - show variation in a process Traps to Avoid

6. Evaluating the Collaborative Model

This module focuses on developing the outcomes and outcome indicators to be measured, and provides several templates from which various aspects of evaluation can be completed: Developing the Evaluation Framework Outcomes Developing a Logic Model Developing Indicators to Measure the Outcomes Developing an Approach to Collect the Information Summary of Outcomes Evaluating Implementation Sustainability Helpful Hints for Achieving Sustainability Resources Appendices Principle Review Implementation­-Oriented Questions Outcome Evaluation Template Methods Worksheet Logistics Worksheet

7. Determining the Cost Implications of the Collaborative Model

The purpose of this module is to outline some of the key variables for evaluating the cost implications of an initiative. It is designed in a workbook format and includes the following sections: Different Viewpoints of Cost Valuation of Costs - direct costs, indirect costs and discounting costs Types of Economic Evaluation - there are 4 main types of economic evaluation: Cost-minimization analysis Cost-effectiveness analysis Cost-utility analysis Cost-benefit analysis Making Comparisons - there are six study designs to make comparisons Evaluating the cost implications Cost implications data framework