1. An Introduction to HelpDesk Answers

2. Overview
1. What are HelpDesk Answers? 2. Describing the Anatomy 3. Why write HDAs? 4. Understanding the Process and Timeline

3. What are Help Desk Answers?

4. What are HDAs?
HDAs are brief, concise, structured responses to clinical questions of practicing family clinicians drawing on:
Systematic reviews of the best available evidence
Meta-analyses
Original research studies
Evidence-based guidelines OR
Authoritative guidelines
(if none of the above are available)

5. Describing the Anatomy

6. Anatomy of an HDA Clinical Question
Evidence Based Answer (35 – 75 words, with SORT grade)
Evidence Summary (250 – 350 words)
References (100 – 200 words, with STEPs)
The ideal word count is 500, including references. HDAs should
run no more than 600 words – a small table counts for
approximately 100 words.

7. Why write HDAs?

8. Why write HDAs? HDAs meet the RRC scholarly requirements:
For Residents:
Each program must provide an opportunity for residents to participate in research or other scholarly activities and residents must participate actively in such scholarly activities.
Two projects per resident by end of residency (local or more wide-spread dissemination).
For Faculty:
The faculty is responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment of inquiry and scholarship and an active research component must be included in each program.
Two projects per faculty member on average over 5 years (regional or national dissemination).

9. Why write HDAs?....cont HDAs reinforce EBM proficiency
HDAs build skills that are required for original research design
HDAs support quality improvement (QI)
All completed HDAs are published in Evidence-Based Practice, the Journal of Family Practice and American Family Physician.

10. EBM Proficiencies Searching for the best evidence
Assessing the strength of the evidence
Evaluating statistical results
Reporting study results objectively
Summarizing for clear, quick understanding
Applying the evidence to clinical practice

11. The HDA Process and Timeline
Begin with a plan

12. HDAs Flow Chart

13. HDAs Can Fit into 4-Week Rotations
Month prior to beginning rotation
Learner completes HDA Institute learning path courses
Corresponding author selects or proposes questions after learner has completed learning path courses
Approved question must be finalized prior to beginning rotation
Week 1: Complete search and selection of articles
Week 2: Complete review of articles, synthesis and grading of evidence
Week 3: Complete first draft for review by faculty co-author
Week 4: Complete second draft for review by faculty co-author Continuing to Publication (approx. 12 weeks)
The 4-week timeline allows for the EBM educational experience but editorial
review and peer review leading to publication would require additional time.

14. Set Clear Roles and Goals
Set realistic goals for new authors
Focus more on substance than style or word count
Seek to build EBM skills
Literature search, grading the evidence, evidence synthesis, applying the evidence
Build on strengths
Know where to find examples, resources
View co-authors as coaches
Stick to the schedule
Know when to ask for help

15. Set Clear Roles and Goals…cont.
First draft due dates
Due dates for manuscripts are strictly enforced. Authors are responsible for submitting their draft by its due date. Authors are usually given 45 days from the date of accepting the EMS invitation to submit a first draft.
If an extension is needed, it must be submitted before the due date through FPIN’s EMS. Manuscripts that are not submitted or extended by their due date may be terminated and the question will be reposted to the HDA sign-up list.
Each author team will be allowed ONE four-week extension during the writing process, no questions asked. Additional extensions are only granted with Editor-in-Chief approval, for rare and extenuating circumstances. We do this to ensure professional standards and to make sure these important clinical questions are being answered and disseminated for the FPIN community in a timely manner.

16. Set clear Roles and Goals….cont.
Mentors:
Build confidence with early steps, then stand back
Stress EBM skills
Focus on substance while adhering to HDA style
Know when to take the reins
Authors:
Focus on learning the EBM vocabulary
Review HDA Resources on the FPIN website
Stick to a schedule and scheduled meetings
Know when to ask for help

17. Other common Stumbling Blocks
Question is too big
Authors try to write from the abstract
Studies use statistical methods that the authors don’t understand
Authors resist writing with an objective “reporter” voice
Communication breaks down with faculty mentor

18. HDA Project Coordinator hda@fpin.org FPIN Office 573-256-2066
FPIN Contact Information
HDA Project Coordinator FPIN Office