gms | German Medical Science

Background: Previously, we disseminated our new or updated Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) by posting them to our internal online Clinical Library and sending them by email to internal distribution lists. Information on the impact of the CPG on clinical practice was inferred from improved performance on standard reporting metrics (e.g., HEDIS).

Context: Based on specific performance gaps, we collaborated with a large publishing group to develop a series of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) Learning Modules on cardiovascular risk reduction to accompany the dissemination of key guideline recommendations. Each EBM Learning Module includes:

• Learning objectives (performance expectations)
• Pre-test
• Explanatory text and diagrams for each critical learning point and performance gap
• Audio interviews with our clinical leads
• Key points at the end of the module
• Hyperlinks to resources and references
• Evaluations (required for Continuing Medical Education Credit) which included a post-test and open ended questions where participants reflected on their learnings, planned practice changes, and anticipated barriers to change.

Lessons for Guideline Developers: Developing EBM Learning Modules to support the dissemination and implementation of clinical recommendations that focus on specific performance gaps helps to assess the impact of CPGs on the delivery of evidence-based practice.