Description
CHNET-Works! is a pan-Canadian inter-disciplinary network that uses creative information technology to bring together population health researchers, decision makers and practitioners for knowledge transfer and exchange. In essence, it serves as a network of networks. CHNET-Works! uses a Web-based platform to increase timely access to relevant research and its application and to enable discussion and exchange. Its goal is to support individual and collective action in advancing public and community health agendas.
Fireside Chats, a feature offered by CHNET-Works!, are a forum for "pan-Canadian discussions for professionals in community health using simultaneous toll free telephone and internet conferences" (chnet-works.ca). Current priority areas include health equity and the social determinants of health.
The success of CHNET-Works! as a knowledge dissemination and exchange tool is a result of its evidence-informed direction and stable foundation, including: a series of tools to promote interaction among individuals and groups; staff to promote and animate participation, find resources and help focus and structure discussion; and an electronic space (independent of time and geography) that is open to all interested Canadian community health professionals.
Steps for Using Method/Tool
CHNET-Works! uses a series of mechanisms to promote knowledge translation in public and community health.
A dedicated network Animateur facilitates processes related to the overall CHNET-Works! project and engages users/the network through a variety of formats.
Advisors on Tap possess content expertise and experience in a particular field of community or public health. During Fireside Chats, they present innovative research and information related to its application; facilitate discussion; and respond to participants' questions. The network Animateur supports the planning, preparation, moderation and evaluation of these sessions.
CHNET-Works! also:
- Creates opportunities for online collaboration and partnership building
- Features an extensive list of resources and links organized according to CHNET-Works! population health themes (physical activity, healthy aging, etc.)
- Stores the collection of presentations made during past Fireside Chats
- Facilitates the dissemination of targeted and tailored emails to registered members
Evaluation
As part of the initial project evaluation, a series of Web-based tools were assessed for their accessibility, functionality and overall utility in developing and supporting online and off-line networking with various target groups. Between January 2006 and April 2010, CHNET-Works! hosted over 180 Fireside Chats involving more than 5000 participants from across Canada. Individual Fireside Chats have been offered in English, French and bilingual formats. Attendance ranges from 25 to over 125 participants, depending on the session. Results from Fireside Chat evaluation surveys have been consistently favourable, and indicate acceptable representation across sector and geographic areas. In general, Fireside Chat participants reported that they find the presentation of research studies, references and website links to be useful. The majority indicated that they plan to participate in the post-session online discussion, and that they would recommend Fireside Chats to a colleague.
These summaries are written by the NCCMT to condense and to provide an overview of the resources listed in the Registry of Methods and Tools and to give suggestions for their use in a public health context. For more information on individual methods and tools included in the review, please consult the authors/developers of the original resources.
We have provided the resources and links as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by McMaster University of any of the products, services or opinions of the external organizations, nor have the external organizations endorsed their resources and links as provided by McMaster University. McMaster University bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external sites.
