Abstract
Background. Clinical practice guidelines are considered important instruments to improve quality of care. However, success is dependent on adherence, which may be improved using peer assessment, a strategy in which professionals assess performance of their peers in a simulated setting.
Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether peer assessment is more effective than case-based discussions to improve knowledge and guideline-consistent clinical reasoning in the Dutch physical therapy guideline for low back pain (LBP).
Design. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted.
Setting and Participants. Ten communities of practice (CoPs) of physical therapists were cluster randomized (N=90): 6 CoPs in the peer-assessment group (n=49) and 4 CoPs in the case-based discussion group (control group) (n=41).
Intervention. Both groups participated in 4 educational sessions and used clinical patient cases. The peer-assessment group reflected on performed LBP management in different roles. The control group used structured discussions.
Measurements. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 6 months. The primary outcome measure was knowledge and guideline-consistent reasoning, measured with 12 performance indicators using 4 vignettes with specific guideline-related patient profiles. For each participant, the total score was calculated by adding up the percentage scores (0-100) per vignette, divided by 4. The secondary outcome measure was reflective practice, as measured by the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (20 - 100).
Results. Vignettes were completed by 78 participants (87%). Multilevel analysis showed an increase in guideline-consistent clinical reasoning of 8.4% in the peer-assessment group, whereas the control group showed a decline of 0.1% (estimated group difference=8.7%, 95% confidence interval=3.9 to 13.4). No group differences were found on self-reflection.
Limitations. The small sample size, a short-term follow-up, and the use of vignettes as a proxy for behavior were limitations of the study.
Conclusions. Peer assessment leads to an increase in knowledge and guideline-consistent clinical reasoning
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1396-1409 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Physical Therapy |
Volume | 94 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2014 |
Keywords
- CLINICAL-PRACTICE GUIDELINES
- HEALTH-CARE
- SELF-REFLECTION
- STANDARDIZED PATIENTS
- QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
- MEDICAL-EDUCATION
- PHYSIOTHERAPY
- VALIDATION
- VIGNETTES
- ADHERENCE