The SUMAMOS EXCELENCIA Project. Assessment of implementation of best practices in a National Health System

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Abstract Aim: The gap between research and clinical practice leads to inconsistent decision‐ making and clinical audits are an effective way of improving the implementation of best practice. Our aim is to assess the effectiveness of a model that implements evidence‐based recommendations for patient outcomes and healthcare quality. Design: National quasi‐experimental, multicentre, before and after study. Methods: This study focuses on patients attending primary care and hospital care units and associated socio‐healthcare services. It uses the Joanna Brigg's Institute Getting Research into Practice model, which improves processes by referring to prior baseline clinical audits. The variables are process and outcome criteria for pain, urinary incontinence, and fall prevention, with data collection at baseline and key points over 12 months drawn from clinical histories and records. Project funding was received from the Spanish Strategic Health Action in November 2014. Discussion: The project results will provide knowledge on the effectiveness of the Getting Research into Practice model, to apply evidence‐based recommendations for the detection and management of pain, urinary incontinence, and fall prevention. It will also establish whether using research results, based on clinical audits and situation analysis, is effective for implementing evidence‐based recommendations and improving patients’ health. Impact: This nationwide Spanish project aims to detect and prevent high‐prevalence healthcare problems, namely pain in patients at any age and falls and urinary incontinence in people aged 65 and over. Tailoring clinical practice to evidence‐based recommendations will reduce unjustified clinical variations in providing healthcare services. Clinical Trial ID: NCT03725774.