Skip to main content

Table 1 Dimensions of the ACT

From: Assessment of variation in the alberta context tool: the contribution of unit level contextual factors and specialty in Canadian pediatric acute care settings

Concept

Definition

Sample item

Leadership1

The actions of formal leaders in an organization (unit) to influence change and excellence in practice, items generally reflect emotionally intelligent leadership

The leader calmly handles stressful situations

Culture1

The way that "we do things" in our organizations and work units; items generally reflect a supportive work culture

My organization effectively balances best practice and productivity

Evaluation1

The process of using data to assess group/team performance and to achieve outcomes in organizations or units (i.e., evaluation)

Our team routinely monitors our performance with respect to the action plans

Social Capital1

The stock of active connections among people. These connections are of three types: bonding, bridging, and linking

People in the group share information with others in the group

Informal Interactions2

Informal exchanges that occur between individuals working within an organization (unit) that can promote the transfer of knowledge

How often do you interact with people in the following roles or positions?; - Someone who champions research and its use in practice

Formal

Interactions2

Formal exchanges that occur between individuals working within an organization (unit) through scheduled activities that can promote the transfer of knowledge

How often do these activities occur?; - Team meetings

Structural/Electronic Resources3

The structural and electronic elements of an organization (unit) that facilitate the ability to assess and use knowledge

How often do you use/attend the following?; - A library

Organizational Slack

The cushion of actual or potential resources which allows an organization (unit) to adapt successfully to internal pressures for adjustments or to external pressures for changes

 

Staffing1

 

Enough staff to deliver quality care

Time1

 

Time to do something extra for patients

Space1

 

Use of designated space

  1. 1= Scale: 1-strongly disagree; 2-disagree; 3-neither agree or disagree; 4-agree; 5-strongly agree; 2= Scale: 1-never; 2-rarely; 3-ocasionally; 4-frequently; 5-almost always;
  2. 3= Scale: 1-never; 2-rarely; 3-ocasionally; 4-frequently; 5-almost always; 6- not accessible