Sharing Empirical Knowledge to Improve Breastfeeding Promotion and Support: Description of a Research Dissemination Project

Abstract

Effective transfer of research findings to health care settings is a shared priority among researchers, clinicians, and decision makers. A multidisciplinary, multi-method investigation conducted in 2001 that explored breastfeeding practices and support within a large immigrant community in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, bore numerous implications for practice. Peer-reviewed funding was subsequently granted to support dissemination of these findings to relevant stakeholders. Key steps in implementing this research dissemination project included (1) identifying and attracting target audiences from hospitals, community health settings, and government agencies; (2) tailoring tools for communication of research findings to the various needs of audiences; (3) designing interactive workshops to facilitate knowledge uptake; and (4) integrating the project outcomes within a government-sponsored regional breastfeeding committee for longer-term impact. Despite organizational challenges, more than 90 health care providers, decision makers, and breastfeeding support volunteers participated in the project workshops. Through feedback loops, the dissemination activities contributed new layers of understanding to the original research findings. The activities also engaged audience members to identify more effective breastfeeding support interventions and led to the adoption of breastfeeding support priorities shared by hospital, community, and government stakeholders. This dissemination project provided unique opportunities for researchers and stakeholders to share in the interpretation of research findings and to strategically plan for future interventions to promote and support breastfeeding within ethnically diverse communities. Further research dissemination work should continue to be theoretically grounded, include systematic, long-term assessment of dissemination outcomes, and be adequately financed throughout.