The implementation of Best practice guidelines in Spain through the Programme of the Best Practice Spotlight Organizations®

Abstract

The implementation of Best practice guidelines is effective in improving clinical practice and reducing clinical variability. The Best Practice Guidelines of the Ontario Nurses Association have been implemented in Spain since 2012 following the principles of the Canadian programme of the Best Practice Spotlight Organisations® (BPSO®). The Nursing and Healthcare Research Unit (Investén-isciii) coordinates this programme in Spain, having been nominated BPSO Host by the Ontario Nurses Association. Four strategies were followed: translation of the Best Practice Guidelines, dissemination of same and of the programme, implementation of the Best Practice Guidelines and assessment of the results in competitively selected centres, and, finally, the development of sustainability mechanisms. Implementation is based on the theoretical Knowledge to Action model, which establishes a cycle of 6 phases: identification of the problem and training of selected BPSO®; adaptation to the local context; assessment of facilitators and barriers; adaptation and implementation of interventions; monitoring and evaluation of results, and sustainability. Each of these phases incorporate evidence-based elements that promote the effectiveness of implementation, such as the competitive selection of candidates to participate in the programme, selection by the institution of the guidelines to be implemented, leadership by nurses with a multi-professional approach, planning of the process from work structures that are non-vertical but with the support of the institution, the simultaneous use of multiple strategies, ongoing assessment and feedback of results. All of which is mentored and supported by the BPSO Host. There are currently 27 institutions in Spain of different characteristics that implement a total of 20 clinical guidelines. The scope and structure of the programme has recently been extended with regional BPSO Host coordinating centres, which has brought the number of institutions to 36 and the number of implemented clinical guidelines to 22. The programme has had a positive impact on organisations and the system, on care processes and on patient health. This is evidenced by enriched evidence-based professional practice, the promotion of collaborative networking and by improved patient health outcomes and the quality of care provided.

Keywords: Best Practice Guidelines; Best Practice Spotlight Organization®; Centros Comprometidos con la Excelencia en Cuidados®; Evidence-based practice; Guías de Buenas Prácticas; Implantación; Implementation; Práctica basada en la evidencia.