Web-based planning intervention to improve the uptake of diabetes UK information prescriptions in clinicians

Abstract

Background: Interventions aimed at changing clinical behaviours to improve healthcare quality typically focus on a single behaviour and on change strategies targeting a reflective path to behaviour change. We developed an intervention for clinical behaviour change based on a dual process and multiple goal approach to test whether an action and/or coping planning intervention could support clinicians in implementing a new self-management advice tool into routine care—the Diabetes UK information prescription. Methods: Clinicians were invited to participate via a routinely delivered e-newsletter. Participating clinicians were randomised in a 2 x 2 factorial design to receive a web-based intervention delivered via volitional help sheets: an action planning and/or a coping planning intervention, or neither, designed to facilitate delivery of the tool. Clinicians were asked to complete self-reported measures of their use of the tool at baseline and follow-up. What went wrong: 1,600 clinicians were invited to take part and participants had the opportunity to win an iPad. However, only 2 clinicians responded and the study failed to reach recruitment targets. Possible solutions: Reasons for lack of participation may include: lack of awareness of the tool, lack of engagement with the invitation and/or insufficient incentivisation. Recruitment rates could be improved by raising awareness of the tool and by embedding trials within existing infrastructures including continuing professional development events. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving the uptake of self-management tools should ensure that clinicians are aware and given access to such tools and that effective recruitment strategies are utilised.