Use of Pain Management Champions to Enhance Guideline Implementation by Care Workers in Nursing Homes

BACKGROUND Underutilization of evidence-based pain management in nursing homes (NHs) is common. Evidence toward effective approaches to improve adoption of evidence-based practices in NHs is limited. Application of theory in evaluation approaches can increase understanding of implementation challenges. AIM To get a better understanding of the impact of implementation strategies by exploring the underlying mechanisms using behavioral theory. METHODS This mixed-methods study is embedded in an implementation-effectiveness study of a pain management guideline in four Swiss NHs. To evaluate our implementation strategies, training workshops were held, and trained pain champions were introduced. We also developed a conceptual framework. Based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory, we hypothesized how our implementation strategies might affect changes in care workers' behavior. Care workers' questionnaire surveys were conducted at baseline (n = 136), after 3 months (n = 99), and after 6 months (n = 83) to assess self-efficacy in pain management and self-reported guideline adoption. We computed linear mixed-effect models to assess changes over time in self-efficacy and logistic regressions to assess associations between self-efficacy and guideline adoption. Concurrently, we conducted focus groups with care workers (n = 8) to explore their response to the implementation strategies. RESULTS Overall, there was a significant increase in self-efficacy at both time points (p < .001). We found significant associations between self-efficacy and adoption of two guideline components, that is, performing a comprehensive pain assessment and using observational pain assessment tools in cognitively impaired residents. Qualitative findings showed that implementation strategies were received positively by care workers. Focus group participants reported more attentiveness to residents' pain experience. The participants also reported increases in assessment and documentation of pain with more detail than before. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION Our findings highlighted that the training and use of pain champions increased self-efficacy and thereby induced behavior change leading to guideline adoption. Regarding persistent implementation challenges, a theory-based conceptual model contributes to the overall understanding.