How to use this handbook

This handbook is based on discussions and conclusions reached at a national workshop on the implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) -- systematically developed statements that help physicians and patients make decisions about appropriate health care for specific
clinical circumstances.¹ The main objectives of the workshop were to share ideas about CPG implementation strategies, to develop a handbook on effective CPG implementation based on these shared ideas and to provide participants with an opportunity to network with others who are active or interested in the CPG process.

Chapter 1 A practical focus, describes the current situation in Canada regarding implementation of CPGs. It also summarizes the presentations of panel members at the workshop and provides other insights into practical challenges related to disseminating CPGs. Chapter 2 What the literature says: translating guidelines into practice, is a transcript of a paper that formed the basis of Dr. Dave Davis' keynote presentation at the workshop. Chapter 3 Addressing challenges, presents the results of participants' discussions after working in 6 setting-specific groups to identify key challenges and suggest strategies for addressing them. The chapter is organized according to those 6 settings. Analysis of the various group discussions revealed 8 recurring themes: clinical realities, coordination, education, evaluation and outcome measurement, incentives for behaviour change, multidisciplinary collaboration, public involvement and resources. Chapter 4 Next steps, summarizes participants' remarks related to implementation.

Although this handbook may be read from cover to cover, it is intended to be used as a resource in which you may search for specific ideas related to a particular topic or setting. Challenges and related strategies are in point form for easy access. Topics and settings are itemized in the table of contents for quick reference, and strategies are also organized by theme (Appendix 1) to enable identification across multiple settings.

Workshop speakers and participants (Appendix 2) were clear about the importance of talking to others in their settings so that practitioners and others can collaborate on ways to address these challenges and ensure that solutions are comprehensive and well focused.