Despite sound evidence to the contrary, trigger point injections containing steroids are being used to treat myofascial pain. According to Frost, Jessen, and Siggaard-Andersen injections to relieve taut muscle can be effective, even if saline is used. Even so, providers persist in the administration of steroids, which are potent anti-inflammatory medications, and have numerous side effects such as myotoxicity of the muscle tissue. Purpose of Scope: The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project was to describe Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) knowledge regarding the use of trigger point injections in primary care management of myofascial pain before and after participation in an online intervention and at a six-week follow-up. Using descriptive-interventional methodology, the study variable of APN knowledge about the use of trigger point injections in primary care management of myofascial pain was measured using a ten-item knowledge instrument developed by the Project Investigator (PI). Goal and Objectives: The goal of project was to successfully implement an online intervention regarding the use of trigger point injections in primary care management of myofascial pain for APNs and to determine APN knowledge before and after participation in an online intervention and at a six-week follow-up. The objectives were to: (a) describe aggregate demographic characteristics of the APN participants, (b) describe pre-intervention APN knowledge, (c) describe post-intervention APN knowledge, (d) describe six-week follow-up APN knowledge, and (e) describe APN knowledge regarding the use of trigger point injections in primary care management of myofascial pain before and after participation in an online intervention and at a six-week follow-up. Plan and Evaluation: Phase One: Conduct a literary needs assessment using a published evidence-based critique template. Phase Two: Design an online intervention using the EBP approach. Phase Three: Implement an online intervention for a projected sample of APN participants through a national online listserve. Phase Four: Evaluate APN knowledge regarding the use of trigger point injections in primary care management of myofascial pain before and after participation in an online intervention and at a six-week follow-up. Outcomes and Results: Results of the pre-test revealed performance means below the calculated expected mean of 5.5; myofascial pain pre-knowledge mean score was 4.48 while trigger point injections pre-knowledge mean score was 4.24, demonstrating that participant self-perceived knowledge was lacking. Results of the post-test perceived knowledge regarding myofascial pain increased to a mean score of 7.64 and perceived knowledge regarding trigger point injectios increased to a mean score of 7.54, demonstrating a significant increase in self-perceived knowledge. At six-week follow-up, perceived knowledge regarding myofascial trigger point injections increased to a mean score of 8.14, demonstrating retention of self-perceived knowledge. Test-retest performance data demonstrated similar findings. Cronbach’s Alpha performance for test-retest reliability demonstrated reliability in this sample.
