National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools

We recently completed a qualitative research study on Adolescent Breastfeeding Experiences, now we are attempting to share that information broadly. We would to assist the community and other stakeholders to be able to utilize this research information. We are wondering if there are tools that anyone has used that has help to move professional implication into practice. We would like to be able to enable participants at our education sessions to walk away with practical and concrete strategies.

Hi Karen,

It was great meeting you last week at the CHNC conference in Halifax! Thanks for starting this new discussion topic!

Just to clarify what you are needing, maybe you could share some more information with us. Are you looking for a tool to help you craft ‘actionable messages’ from your research findings? Do you need a resource to develop an overall dissemination plan for your study?

There is one resource that comes to mind from the Registry of Methods and Tools that addresses both of these questions. CHSRF’s (2004) “Communication Notes” series focuses on developing messages tailored to the needs of your audience and creating a dissemination plan. Reader-Friendly Writing – 1:3:25 looks at writing main messages from your research findings. This may be a useful tool to help you get started! The summary statement for this resource can be found at:

A comprehensive approach towards knowledge dissemination and exchange

Kirsten

We have two different approaches to sharing our study.

Our strategic direction is to engage community partners in implementing a plan that will promote and support adolescent breastfeeding. I think this tool may help and we have read the summary. If anyone else has used this tool I would love to hear how it worked.

We are also planning to share the research findings with front line CPNP workers and hope to help move the 'research' into something actionable and tangable. We would like to design a presentation that does more than just share the research but helps to move it along. Any advice?

Hi--Kirsten, thanks for the resource--I think I'll find that useful. And Karen, we're doing a breastfeeding project in Timiskaming; one of our priority populations is young mothers. So if/when you're ready, I'd love to read your report. Is it shareable yet?

Hi Amanda,

It's so close! I will share it soon.

Hi Karen,

With respect to engaging your community partners in implementing a plan to promote and support adolescent breast feeding, another tool I would like to recommend is Carpenter, Nieva, Albaghal & Sorra’s (2005) dissemination planning tool. The tool is designed to help users think about the processes they would use to disseminate findings so that they have “real world” impact in practice. Step three of the tool is “working with dissemination partners” where the tool will ask you to think about opinion leaders, informal networks and colleagues who may help to communicate your research findings to your end users (i.e., teen mothers). Step four then helps you plan what channels you might use to share your research findings (e.g., using professional networks, workshops, etc.).

The link for this tool is here: http://dev.nccmt.ca/registry/view/eng/64.html

It sounds like you are looking for some tools that help you do more than a presentation but to facilitate a process of moving research into action. This is a great approach to take since there is evidence that didactic (lecture style) education sessions are generally ineffective in transferring research results (Grimshaw et al., 2003). You may also want to take a look at the CHSRF (2004) communication note on “how to give a research presentation to decision makers”. It provides useful tips on designing the content of your presentation.

Does anyone else have recommendations on tools to help develop an effective presentation?