Implementation and sustainment of a clinical practice guideline in a physical therapy student-run pro bono clinic: a case report

The development of evidence-based practitioners is an expectation of entry-level physical therapist education. Knowledge translation is a process to enhance the uptake of evidence into clinical practice. Student run pro bono clinics provide an authentic learning environment in which knowledge translation activities can be used to implement clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).
The purpose of this case report was to describe the implementation, evaluation, and sustainment process of incorporating a physical therapy neurologic outcome measure CPG in a physical therapy student run pro bono clinic.
A mixed methods study, using the Knowledge to Action framework, was completed to standardize the outcome measures completed on patients with neurologic conditions who received services at a physical therapy student run pro bono clinic. The project was titled iKNOW (integrating KNOWledge translation) Super Six.
Chart audits, surveys, and focus groups revealed success in implementing a CPG promoting standardization of practice in a student run pro bono clinic. Students reported that environmental modifications and the availability of resources were strong facilitators of completing the measures. Differences existed between cohorts in perceived usefulness of peer support. To sustain use of the neurologic outcome measures as recommended by the CPG, efforts to enhance awareness, leverage peer support, maximize environmental facilitators, along with audit and feedback will continue.
Student run pro bono clinics provide the environment for the implementation of CPGs. Students engaging in knowledge translation may develop the skills needed as an evidence-based practitioner.