Monitor knowledge use

What is monitor knowledge use

What is the phase 'Monitor Knowledge Use'?

After the new intervention or practice is implemented into your local context, uptake of this new practice or intervention should be monitored over time (RNAO, 2002; Graham et al., 2006). Monitoring involves the continuous process of collecting and analyzing data to compare how well an intervention or practice is being implemented against intended goals. Monitoring includes routine collection, review, and analysis of data. Data sources may include progress notes, clinical databases, interviews with health-care providers who are involved in the practice change, questionnaires, or other data indicators that will provide the relevant information.

Why is the phase 'Monitor Knowledge Use’ important? 

Why is monitoring important

Monitoring knowledge use is important because this phase determines how, and to what extent, the practice or knowledge is used by the target users, such as point-of-care staff (RNAO, 2012; Strauss et al., 2013).

Monitoring knowledge use provides an indication of the extent to which:

  • the knowledge is communicated to target users who need to be aware of the knowledge or to use the knowledge;
  • the selected BPG recommendations are known, accepted, and applied; and 
  • the intervention or practice is being used correctly.

More about the phase ‘Monitor Knowledge Use’ 

Monitoring knowledge use answers the following questions:

  • Are activities being implemented as planned?
  • Is the knowledge, practice, or intervention being used?
  • Are the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of target users being changed because of this new knowledge, practice, or intervention?

Monitoring the implementation and uptake of interventions and programs

Oftentimes, your unit or organization may be implementing an intervention or a program instead of introducing new information that changes stakeholders’ attitudes and behaviours (conceptual), clinical practice (instrumental), or policy (persuasive) (Strauss et al., 2013). Monitoring the uptake of interventions and programs is crucial in understanding whether the resources allocated to implement these interventions and programs are worthwhile, which ultimately allows you to reach your desired goal of changing clinical outcomes.

Monitoring the implementation and uptake of interventions and programs

Using process indicators to monitor implementation

Process indicators track the progress of the intervention or the practice change that has been implemented. They help to answer the question, “Are activities being implemented as planned?” Some examples of process indicators are:

  • The number of training sessions held for health-care providers.
  • The number of outreach activities conducted by the change team.
  • The per cent of health-care providers reached with key messages about the interventions or practice.