Abstract
BackgroundKnowledge Translation (KT) and data visualization play a vital role in the dissemination of data and information to improve healthcare systems. A better understanding of KT and its utility requires examining its processes, and how these interact with available data tools and platforms and various users.In this context, the aim of this paper is to understand how relevant users interact with data visualization tools, in particular Global Burden of Disease (GBD) visualizations, while also examining KT processes related to data visualization.MethodsA qualitative case-study consisting of semi-structured interviews with eight policy officers. Interviewees were selected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) from three countries: Canada, Kenya and New Zealand. Data were analyzed through framework coding, using qualitative analysis software.ResultsPolicy officers’ responses indicated that data can prompt action by engaging users, and effective delivery and translation of data was enhanced by data visualization tools. GBD was considered valuable for use in policy (e.g., planning and prioritizing health policy; facilitating accountability; and tracking and monitoring progress and trends over time and between countries). Using GBD and data visualization tools, participants quickly and easily accessed key information and turned it into actionable messages; engaging visuals captured decision-makers’ attention while providing information in a digestible, time-saving manner. However, participants emphasized an overall disconnect between research and public health. Functionality and technical issues, e.g., absence of tool guides and tool complexity, as well as lacking buy-in and awareness of certain tools from those less familiar with GBD, were named as major barriers. In order to address this “know-do” gap, user-friendly knowledge translation tools were stated as crucial, as was the importance of collaboration and leveraging different insights from data generators and users to inform health policy.ConclusionsPolicy officers aware of KT are willing to utilize data visualization tools as they value them as an engaging and important mechanism to foster the use of GBD data in policy-making. To further facilitate policy officers’ efforts to effectively use GBD data in policy and practice, further research is required into how users perceive and interact with data visualization and other KT tools.
Highlights
Knowledge Translation (KT) and data visualization play a vital role in the dissemination of data and information to improve healthcare systems
Policy officers aware of KT are willing to utilize data visualization tools as they value them as an engaging and important mechanism to foster the use of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data in policy-making
To further facilitate policy officers’ efforts to effectively use GBD data in policy and practice, further research is required into how users perceive and interact with data visualization and other KT tools
Summary
Knowledge Translation (KT) and data visualization play a vital role in the dissemination of data and information to improve healthcare systems. A range of tools and mechanisms are used to promote the utilization of health information in policy development and implementation They can be summarized under the name of knowledge translation (KT) approaches [2]. WHO identifies four key KT approaches that, either singularly or combined, illustrate the link between health information and action [5, 6]: Push approaches, where information producers ensure research processes and findings are more digestible for decision-makers by effectively translating technical information and jargon into nontechnical information; Pull approaches, where information users, such as policymakers, request health information based on their needs; Exchange approaches emphasizing linkages between information producers and users, which can be facilitated by knowledge brokers (KBs), to work together at specific points or during the entire information generation cycle; and Integrated approaches, where a KT platform is established in an organization or broader health system allowing the promotion of early and sustained engagements between information producers and users and institutionally linking research to action through push, pull or exchange efforts [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
