Effectiveness of the ABCDEF method for developing an institution-specific pain management clinical resource

Abstract

Introduction

Comprehensive treatment strategies improve pain management in hospitalized patients, but no conclusive algorithm is currently available. The Audience, Blueprint, Collaborators, Dissemination, Education, Feedback method for pain management resource development (ABCDEF method) has been proposed as an “executable template” for developing clinical resources customized to local practice environments.

Methods

The ABCDEF method was used to develop a proposal for a pain management pamphlet. Thereafter, a “Pocket Resource: Evidence-Based Pain Management and Responsible Opioid Prescribing” was developed according to the proposal. Qualitative retrospective analysis was performed to determine executability of the ABCDEF method for developing this institution-specific pain management resource.

Results

Twelve elements of the ABCDEF method were analyzed. Ten were completed according to the ABCDEF method instruction sheet. Of those, the expected outcome was different than actual outcome for four elements. All outcomes that were different than expected expanded either the overall impact or the information incorporated into the finished resource.

Conclusions

This qualitative retrospective analysis demonstrates executability of the ABCDEF method to successfully develop an institution-specific pain management resource. This template adds to the resources available to create evidence-based care consistency individualized to local practice environments. Study limitations include the retrospective analysis and a lack of generalizability for the results.

Keywords:

• ABCDEF method
• acute pain management resources
• AHRQ toolkit
• clinical resource development
• pocket resource

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The following individuals acted as collaborators (while in the position/role/institution affiliation listed below) and provided significant contribution to the Pocket Resource:

• Bryan Moss, supervisor/medical illustrator, Medical Graphic Services Department, BSWMC-T, Temple, Texas. Contributed to design and format of 2018 and 2021 versions.

• Robert L. Fine, MD, clinical director, BSWH Office of Clinical Ethics and Palliative Care, BSWH, Dallas, Texas. Contributed to content and design of 2021 version.

• Russell McAllister, MD, anesthesiology department chair - Central Texas Division, BSWH, Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology – Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas. Contributed to administrative funding for 2021 version.

• Timothy Bittenbinder, MD, (former) anesthesiology department chair at BSWMC-T, (current) senior vice president, BSWH, Temple, Texas. Contributed to administrative approval and funding for 2018 version.

• W. Alan Barker, vice president and assistant general counsel, BSWH, Dallas, Texas. Contributed to content of 2018 version.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The authors report no funding or conflicts of interest.