Patient stories as a knowledge translation strategy for the sustainability of evidence-based  interventions (EBIs) in healthcare: A qualitative secondary analysis

Abstract Background Patient stories are a knowledge translation (KT) strategy that embody the patient experience. Patient stories are used to inform healthcare policy, delivery, and patient engagement, and have many positive impacts on the uptake of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in healthcare. However, there is little evidence on the use and influence of patient stories for the long-term sustainability of EBIs. This study aims to understand how patient stories influenced the sustainability of two scaled EBIs in healthcare in the context of Alberta Health Services, Canada. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of 20 qualitative interviews from the realist evaluation: Contextual factors and mechanisms that influence sustainability: A realist evaluation of two scaled, multi-component interventions. We employed a thematic analysis of the interview data. Results Patient stories positively influenced the sustainability of two EBIs by: 1) conveying the “why” behind the intervention, 2) motivating and encouraging staff to continue to engage with the intervention long-term, and 3) facilitating the spread and scale of the EBI. Success stories from patients and their families were especially impactful because they reflected positive outcomes of the EBI. Participants emphasized that patient stories should be positive in nature and be continually shared through different modalities (e.g., digital stories) for sustainability efforts. Conclusions The idea of patient stories as a KT strategy for sustainability is still nascent and requires more effectiveness and evaluation research. Our findings demonstrate how patient stories can facilitate the sustainability of EBIs in healthcare. In particular, our findings show how sharing stories digitally or through learning collaboratives and online toolkits, facilitates sustainability because digital stories can be saved and continually distributed to a wide audience at any time. Understanding the potential of patient stories as a KT strategy for sustainability will contribute to the long-term success of EBIs, thus improving healthcare quality.