Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to undertake a systematic assessment of the need for research-based information by decision-makers working in community-based organizations. It is part of a more comprehensive knowledge transfer and exchange strategy that seeks to understand both the content required and the format/methods by which such information should be presented.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional telephone survey. Questions covered current practices, research use, and demographic information, as well as preferences for receiving research information. Three types of organizations participated: Children's Treatment Centres of Ontario (CTCs); Ontario Community Care Access Centres (CCACs); and District Health Councils (DHCs). The analysis used descriptive statistics and analyses of variance (ANOVA) to describe and explore variations across organizations.ResultsThe participation rate was 70%. The highest perception of barriers to the use of research information was reported by the CCAC respondents, followed by CTCs and DHCs. The CTCs and DHCs reported greater use of research evidence in planning decisions as compared to the CCACs. Four sources of information transfer were consistently identified. These were websites, health-related research journals, electronic mail, and conferences and workshops. Preferred formats for receiving information were executive summaries, abstracts, and original articles.ConclusionThere were a number of similarities across organization type with respect to perceived barriers to research transfer, as well as the types of activities the organizations engaged in to promote research use in decision-making. These findings support the importance of developing interactive, collaborative knowledge transfer strategies, as well as the need to foster relationships with health care decision-makers, practitioners and policymakers.
Highlights
Knowledge translation and exchange In recent years the terms knowledge transfer and exchange, evidence-based decision-making, and evidenceinformed health policy have become commonly used, but with little consensus on their definition, how they occur, or can be promoted [1,2]
There were a number of similarities across organization type with respect to perceived barriers to research transfer, as well as the types of activities the organizations engaged in to promote research use in decision-making
A key recommendation arising from the National Forum on Health [4] was the development of an evidence-informed health care system in Canada where policies and clinical decisions are influenced by high quality research knowledge
Summary
Knowledge translation and exchange In recent years the terms knowledge transfer and exchange, evidence-based decision-making, and evidenceinformed health policy have become commonly used, but with little consensus on their definition, how they occur, or can be promoted [1,2]. Significant resources and time are invested in the production of research evidence that, if effectively transferred, could be used to inform policy and practice decisions and subsequently improve patient and population health outcomes [3]. A key recommendation arising from the National Forum on Health [4] was the development of an evidence-informed health care system in Canada where policies and clinical decisions are influenced by high quality research knowledge. Policy-makers, decision-makers and practitioners must become more receptive to the inclusion of the best available research evidence in the decisionmaking process, and be willing to collaborate with researchers to ensure that relevant and applicable research is conducted [7,8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
