Achilles Tendinopathy Toolkit

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== Background to the Project Translation of knowledge to practice in health care is a significant challenge. A project was undertaken by a unique partnership of physical therapy researchers, educators and expert clinicians to address the gap between evidence and practice in the management of Achilles Tendinopathy.
Physiotherapy clinicians in British Columbia requested evidence-informed guidance on the management of tendinopathy. To address this need the provincial Physical Therapy Knowledge Broker assembled a team of researchers, educators and expert clinicians with the mandate to develop, disseminate and implement a toolkit of decision aids to guide clinical decision-making for Achilles Tendinopathy.
The process to develop the toolkit involved the following components:
Identification of the purpose and scope of the project
Agreement on the processes for selection of content and format
Creation of a mechanism for resolution of conflicting opinion
An iterative feedback process with stakeholders
The incorporation of concepts and strategies from the knowledge translation and implementation science literature to support the stages of knowledge synthesis, dissemination and implementation.
The ‘Tendinopathy Toolkit’ included:
A tabulated summary of the evidence for manual therapy, exercise, low level laser therapy, ultrasound, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, iontophoresis using dexamethasone, taping, orthotics, night splints and braces, heel raise inserts, needling techniques, and the appropriate outcome measures for this population [targeted ‘take home messages’ and clinical implications for each were also included]
An algorithm to guide the sequence of interventions
Appendices including: a) exercise programs b) low level laser dosage calculation c) tabulated details for each article reviewed and d) a review of common medical interventions.
The second phase of the initiative – utilization of strategies to enhance implementation and uptake of the toolkit - is currently being undertaken.
Clinicians want to provide evidence-informed management of tendinopathy but many struggle with accessing, appraising and synthesizing the vast array of literature available on this topic. This KT initiative highlights the need for, challenges associated with, evidence-informed process for and positive response to the development of decision aids synthesizing the current evidence to guide clinical management of this patient population.
Access the Achilles Tendinopathy Toolkit

Treatment Algorithm
Summary of Interventions
Appendix A: Exercise Programs
Appendix B: Low Level Laser Therapy Dosage Calculation
Appendix C: Details of Articles on Interventions
Appendix D: Medical and Surgical Interventions

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