Population health research transfer strategy

Description

This method is based on the understanding that interaction between researchers and decision makers is fundamental to knowledge transfer. A key outcome of interaction is developing long-term collaborative relationships between these two groups. The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI), an initiative of the Canadian Institute for Health Information, aims to promote knowledge transfer and uptake of population health research by decision makers and develop policy options to improve population health. Ongoing collaboration ensures the research process is relevant for decision makers and facilitates the uptake of research findings during decision making.

This resource follows from a 1997 CPHI pilot project designed to bring together researchers and decision makers to bridge the divide between evidence and policy making. CPHI conducted an environmental scan of knowledge transfer strategies from 17 organizations involved in health or social research or policy. Academic, policy think tank and government organizations were represented. Through this process, the developers identified knowledge transfer strategies that are relevant to population health decision makers.

The user is guided through these strategies, each presenting considerations related to the following elements of the process:

1) the target audience (who is engaged)

2) the point in time during the research process (when to engage with the target group(s))

3) the method of engagement (how the target audience is engaged)

Steps for Using Method/Tool

This resource guides the reader through a three-step process of knowledge dissemination, exchange and application. Knowledge transfer strategies are categorized according to: 1) target group, referring to who is engaged; 2) timing, pertaining to when the target audience is to be engaged in the research process; and 3) method, or how the target audience needs to be engaged.

Examples of strategies include:

1) Engaging the Target Audience (Who)

• Including diverse stakeholders, where specific partners are targeted depending on the issue
• Fostering linkages across different government departments that influence healthy public policy
• Partnering with community organizations, the business community, media and the general public to indirectly influence the decision-making process
• Using research transfer (knowledge translation) specialists to engage a diverse network of partners and target audiences

2) Timing of Engagement (When)

• Engaging with diverse stakeholders and decision makers early in the research process to inform research priorities
• Conducting environmental scans to identify research gaps (and set research priorities)
• Evaluating the impact of research on decision making following the engagement process

3) Method of Engagement (How)

• Developing a working group with key stakeholders to create research questions, inform the research process and assist with dissemination
• Developing a knowledge transfer strategy for each project
• Developing multiple formats to maximize uptake of research findings (e.g., pamphlets and websites for the public and community groups)
• Promoting collaboration through fostering "common space" to encourage information sharing and facilitate interactions among stakeholders
• Promoting capacity building within partner organizations to strengthen the use of research

The developers offer several examples to support and build on these and other recommendations.