Abstract
BackgroundIn response to the “know–do” gap, several initiatives have been implemented to enhance evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM). These include individual training, organizational culture change management, and legislative changes. The importance of relationships and stakeholder engagement in EIDM has led to an evolution of models and approaches including integrated knowledge translation (IKT). IKT has emerged as a key strategy for ensuring that engagement is equitable, demand-driven, and responsive. As a result, the African-German Collaboration for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) incorporated an IKT approach to influence noncommunicable diseases (NCD) policy and practice. We documented the phased process of developing, implementing, and monitoring the IKT approach in South Africa; and explored the appropriateness of using the exploration, preparation, implementation, and sustainment (EPIS) framework for this purpose.MethodsWe mapped the South Africa IKT approach onto the EPIS framework using a framework analysis approach. Notes of team meetings, stakeholder matrices, and engagement strategies were analysed and purposefully plotted against the four phases of the framework in order to populate the different constructs. We discussed and finalized the analysis in a series of online iterations until consensus was reached.ResultsThe mapping exercise revealed an IKT approach that was much more iterative, dynamic, and engaging than initially thought. Several constructs (phase-agnostic) remained important and stable across EPIS phases: stable and supportive funding; committed and competent leadership; skilled and dedicated IKT champions; diverse and established personal networks; a conducive and enabling policy environment; and boundary-spanning intermediaries. Constructs such as “innovations” constantly evolved and adapted to the changing inner and outer contexts (phase-specific).ConclusionsUsing the EPIS framework to interrogate, reflect on, and document our IKT experiences proved extremely relevant and useful. Phase-agnostic constructs proved critical to ensure resilience and agility of NCD deliberations and policies in the face of highly dynamic and changing local contexts, particularly in view of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Bridging IKT with a framework from implementation science helps to reflect on this process and can guide the development and planning of similar interventions and strategies.
Highlights
In response to the “know–do” gap, several initiatives have been implemented to enhance evidenceinformed decision-making (EIDM)
Bridging integrated knowledge translation (IKT) with a framework from implementation science helps to reflect on this process and can guide the development and planning of similar interventions and strategies
The objective of this paper is to complement the multi-site semi-external evaluation with a deep-dive description of the South African six-step IKT approach, using an implementation science lens guided by the exploration, preparation, implementation, and sustainment (EPIS) framework [40]
Summary
In response to the “know–do” gap, several initiatives have been implemented to enhance evidenceinformed decision-making (EIDM). These include individual training, organizational culture change management, and legislative changes. There are several complexities, associated with how and to what extent research evidence is translated into policy and practice [2] These complexities ( referred to as the “know–do” gap) can be explained by factors related to researchers, decision-makers, their engagement, and the context in which they operate [3,4,5,6,7]. Complex social and political factors (played out in the relationship between researchers and decision-makers) enhance or hinder effective use or uptake of research evidence into policy and practice [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
