Facilitating large-scale implementation of evidence based health care: insider accounts from a co-operative inquiry.

Background: Facilitators are known to be influential in the implementation of evidence-based health care (EBHC). However, little evidence exists on what it is that they do to support the implementation process. This research reports on how knowledge transfer associates (KTAs) working as part of the UK National Institute for Health Research 'Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care' for Greater Manchester (GM CLAHRC) facilitated the implementation of EBHC across several commissioning and provider health care agencies.

The role of patient-held alert cards in promoting continuity of care for Heart Failure Patients.

Background: Patients with heart failure managed by community heart failure specialist nurses (CHFSNs) may have episodes of (often unrelated) ill-health managed separately in hospital. Inadequate communication and multi-disciplinary working between these different providers can impact on the effectiveness of care.

Aim: This service improvement project explored the potential of patient-held alert cards to improve communication and continuity of care for heart failure patients moving between CHFSNs and hospital settings.