Aviv Shachak*, Faculty of Information Studies; Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto Jamie Meuser, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Tupper Bean, Centre for Effective Practice, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Stephen Hockama, Faculty of Information Studies, University of Toronto Lena Salach, Centre for Effective Practice, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Noah Ivers, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Michael Evans, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Track: Research Track Presentation Topic: Wikis Presentation Type: Oral presentation Submission Type: Single Presentation Building: MaRS Centre Room: CR2 Date: 2008-09-04 03:30 PM – 05:00 PM Last modified: 2008-11-06

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Background:
Current internet applications, collectively referred to as web 2.0, enable users to participate in generating and managing content and collaborate in the creation and dissemination of knowledge. Wikis are a particular type of web 2.0 applications, which consist of a set of interlinked web pages that can be easily constructed, edited or removed by users. The wiki model transcends traditional borders between researchers (or integrators of research evidence) and users, allowing both to contribute and engage in an on-going discussion. Therefore, wikis may provide an ideal platform for integrated knowledge translation. However, the potential of wikis and other web 2.0 applications for knowledge translation in health care is just beginning to be realized.

In 2004 the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) at the University of Toronto was engaged by Elsevier to undertake the review and revision work necessary to publish the fourth edition of its Family Practice Source Book. Over 194 faculty, residents, and students contributed to this effort. . This resource, representing a compilation of recent evidence collected from published research, covers current approaches and controversies in the prevention, diagnosis. and treatment of a wide variety of problems encountered in primary care. The book has been successful, selling over 7000 copies. It serves as a quick reference tool for family medicine residents and primary care providers

The Centre for Effective Practice (CEP), an initiative within the DFCM, has as its primary goal to address the growing gap between best evidence and current primary care practice, and to produce practical solutions to address these barriers. As part of its mission the CEP has engaged in negotiations with the publisher, Elsevier, to purchase the copyright of the Family Practice Source Book, and to deliver an online, updated version, based in part on a wiki. This project represents an attempt to leverage web 2.0 tools to facilitate knowledge translation by directly connecting researchers and health care providers via the emerging online community. It transcends traditional roles by allowing both researchers and practitioners to participate in the synthesis of evidence and to engage in an on-going discussion. Crucially, this wiki will be updated and available continuously, thereby fostering the faster creation and dissemination of knowledge.

Objectives:
The main objective of this project is to develop and investigate the feasibility of offering a leading textbook of family medicine via a wiki environment to primary care professionals across Ontario. We will accompany the project with a research component to evaluate users’ perceptions of the wiki sourcebook, and its contribution to knowledge translation and practice enhancement.

Methods:
The content of the Family Practice Sourcebook will be transformed into a wiki environment. The wiki will be opened to all primary care providers in Ontario. Mixed methods will be used to collect and analyze data on how best practices resources are created and evolve collaboratively; contributors and users' perceptions of the wiki's usefulness, ease of use, credibility and effect on behavior; and its diffusion within the primary care community. Specific methods include content and discourse analysis, key informant interviews and surveys.