Moscovici, J. (2012). Statistical Applications in Knowledge Translation Research Implemented Through the Information Assessment Method. McGill Family Medicine Studies Online, 08: e01.

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Abstract

Of interest are two knowledge translation research projects conducted by and with the ITPCRG (Information Technology Primary Care Research Group) during the period 2010-2012, as well as their underlying statistical analyses. For physicians, continuing medical education (CME) is a critical activity that helps them acquire new knowledge and keep their practice up to date. In Canada, popular CME programs are structured around the reading of short synopses or summaries of important clinical research on e-mail. After reading one synopsis, the physician completes a short reflective exercise, using the Information Assessment Method (IAM). IAM is a brief questionnaire that asks physicians to reflect on the following: -The relevance of this information? –The impact of the information e.g. did you learn something new? –If they intend to use the information for a specific patient? –Whether they expect to see health benefits for that patient as a result? This type of CME is very popular. Since September 2006, about 4,500 members of the Canadian Medical Association have submitted more than one million IAM questionnaires linked to e-mailed synopses. Previous work suggests the response format of the IAM questionnaire can impact the willingness of physicians to participate, and that information use for a specific patient might be linked to certain factors measurable by IAM. Therefore, the objectives were to improve CME programs that use the IAM questionnaire by determining which response formats optimize physician participation and their reflective learning, and explore the determinants of information use. These were accomplished by implementing a survival analysis framework, as well as mixed logistic regression models.