Title : Bridging the gap between evidence and practice: A national level initiative to implement Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) in clinical practice
Abstract:
Health outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) have improved, yet many health systems struggle to meet evolving needs. Poor-quality care has become a bigger barrier to reducing mortality than inadequate access. Variations in clinical practice, often inappropriate, result from multiple factors such as clinician training, organizational settings, and resource availability. These inconsistencies contribute to increased healthcare costs, poorer patient outcomes, and inefficiencies, particularly in rural areas with limited access to specialized care and workforce shortages. To address these challenges, the consistent use of Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs), is crucial for improving care quality. However, in India, STG implementation is hindered by barriers like lack of awareness, inadequate training, and resource limitations. To improve healthcare quality, a nationwide initiative was launched from July 2022 to June 2023, using monthly webinars to promote the adoption of STGs among healthcare providers across India. The webinars aimed to enhance provider knowledge and skills, ensure they stay current with evidence-based practices, and measure existing knowledge and clinical practices. A total of 7,404 healthcare providers attended the webinars, with an average of 617 participants per session. Pre-tests and post-tests were conducted, showing a significant improvement in scores—from an average pre-test score of 20.67% to a post-test score of 49.92%. The highest pre-test scores recorded was only 45.6% in sessions on STGs and hypertension, whereas session on snakebite recorded the pre-test scores as low as 11.46%. Feedback indicated that the program effectively reduced professional isolation and helped in recognizing inappropriate variation in clinical practices and apprised them of the recommended evidence-based practices. These results underscore the potential of virtual learning platforms for disseminating guidelines and enhancing professional development. A comprehensive strategy that includes ongoing education, performance feedback, and targeted interventions including allied healthcare providers is vital for ensuring consistent STG adoption across India's healthcare settings.
