ABSTRACT
AIM: Failure to translate research into practice is common. The present study implemented an evidence-based model of care to address identified evidence-practice gaps in our department's weight management service. METHODS: Implementation science frameworks were used to identify barriers to best practice and determine appropriate strategies to overcome them. No practice change occurred pre-implementation. The new model of care incorporated evidence-based interventions into a flowchart, supported by written resources, and integrated routine data collection into clinic processes. Alignment with a statewide telephone counselling program enhanced service capacity. Data were collected for adult patients whose primary intervention was weight management at a South-East Queensland hospital and included service attendance metrics, anthropometry, diet quality, and interventions delivered, and were compared with guidelines. Change in outcomes was calculated at 3 months after initial appointments. RESULTS: Pre-implementation, 69.2% (n = 91) of patients referred were seen by a dietitian. During the new model of care (n = 60), over half (63.3%) were referred to telephone counselling. The remainder were triaged according to the flowchart with 100% attendance. Guideline adherence for reviews significantly increased over time (4.4%-50%, P < 0.001). Follow-up data were available for 31.3% and 54.5% of the pre-implementation and new model of care patients, respectively. No significant differences were observed between outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated successful implementation of weight management guidelines within routine clinical care. Following a systematic assessment of existing evidence-practice gaps resulted in a pragmatic evidence-based model of care that could be delivered within service capacity.
