Promote Knowledge Translation Research Articles

Igniting the Fire of Discovery: Creating Partnerships between Research, Education, and Practice.

In the 28th H.P. Maley Lecture, Stacey Dusing, PT, PhD, FAPTA, shares a perspective on the importance of clinician-scientists in bridging the chasm that currently exists between scholarship and clinical practice. Describing herself as a clinician-scientist, or a qualified health care professional who functions mainly as a career scientist with the other portion of time dedicated to clinical practice, Dusing highlights the potential impact of limited training for clinician-scientists in the physical therapy profession and its impact on the future of physical therapy. She challenges all physical therapists to consider the impact of Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education requirements on scholarship and the lack of requirement for clinical practice, while also recognizing that training programs for clinician-scientists are quite limited. Reviewing some historical data and highlighting possible areas for growth, Dusing calls physical therapists to action in 4 areas. Impact. This paper calls all physical therapists, especially educators and administrators, to consider the role of clinician-scientist in promoting physical therapy and knowledge translation. The author challenges the profession to consider whether we are helping to train or embed clinician-scientists in our clinical workplaces to promote knowledge translation. Suggestions are made to improve research and clinical training programs to increase the number of clinician-scientists in physical therapy.

Effectiveness of exercise interventions on urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in pregnant and postpartum women: umbrella review and clinical guideline development.

Dysfunction related to pelvic floor muscles (PFM) is common among pregnant and postpartum women and can cause symptoms such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). As part of developing a nationwide clinical practice guideline for nursing in Finland, the aim of this umbrella review is to summarize the existing evidence about the effectiveness of exercise interventions on urinary incontinence and POP in pregnant and postpartum women. To promote knowledge translation, recommendations for health care professionals are presented. We conducted an umbrella review to summarize the existing evidence. The JBI methodology for umbrella reviews was used to guide the review. The level of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations based on the evidence were formulated by a clinical guideline working group. Altogether, 9 systematic reviews, reporting findings from 89 original studies, were included. The methodological quality of the reviews was evaluated using JBI's checklist. The highest level of evidence was found for preventing the symptoms of postpartum urinary incontinence through exercise and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) during pregnancy. Moderate-level evidence showed that exercise and PFMT are likely to reduce the symptoms and severity of urinary incontinence, but the level of evidence was low on PFMT reducing the symptoms of POP. We recommend encouraging and guiding pregnant and postpartum women to exercise and train PFM. We also recommend identifying pregnant and postpartum women with symptoms of PFM dysfunction and directing them to a physiotherapist or other health care professional specializing in pelvic floor function.

11.A. Workshop: Risk-benefit Assessment of Foods and Diets for a Sustainable Future

Abstract Dietary risk factors are the most important contributors to burden of disease globally, including in European countries. Concurrently, the pressure that food systems have on the environment has amplified over time, largely driven by the increased demand for food, increased consumption of animal-based foods, and the intensification of agriculture and production systems. Shifts towards healthier and sustainable diets are needed to protect the health of populations and the environment. To define and implement public health policies that motivate these shifts, decision-makers need evidence on the overall impacts of such changes on the health of citizens, and on all aspects of sustainability: environment, socioeconomics, and culture of populations. Recent years have seen an increase in research and data to assess those impacts. Risk-Benefit Assessment (RBA) has emerged as a decision-support tool that considers both negative and positive health impacts of food consumption scenarios in a common health metric, considering both nutritional risks and benefits, and microbiological and toxicological risks. Multi-national European Projects, as well as research efforts by academic and public health authorities in different countries have contributed to important methodological developments, implementation of case studies, and raising awareness of the utility of risk-benefit outputs to inform public health policy. However, transforming food systems for combined health and sustainability benefits requires an assessment of integrated impacts that also takes a more holistic food-systems approach. Such an assessment needs to be able to integrate the impacts of diets and dietary shifts on health and the environment, while also considering social, culture and economic implications of dietary changes. Furthermore, the communication of findings from such assessments to policymakers and the public needs careful consideration. Thus, an extended interdisciplinary approach is warranted. This workshop consists of four presentations. In the first, we present an overview of RBA methodologies, case studies, and ongoing research efforts. Next, we present an example of development of methods to measure the integrated impacts of food systems and dietary shifts in terms of health and sustainability indicators, and of the steps that can be taken to increase the uptake of such methods for policymaking. The third presentation discusses the challenges and opportunities in communicating results from RBAs to different stakeholders, including policymakers and citizens. Lastly, we present current interests and call for actions on RBAs to provide evidence for policy through the lens of the World Health Organization. The workshop will end with ample time for discussions on current approaches and opportunities for methodological developments, challenges, possible solutions and potential for collaborations to increase implementation and utility of RBA of foods and diets globally. Key messages • Risk-benefit assessments of foods and diets offer an approach to assess the impacts of current and future dietary patterns on the health of populations and the planet. • Research, stakeholder involvement and international collaboration are key to promote knowledge translation and support international activities within risk-benefit assessment.

Exploring stakeholders’ perspectives on the adaptation of the Living Lab approach to dementia care: A qualitative study

Collaborative research can promote knowledge translation and help to link care practice and research. Academic-practice partnerships enable joint research projects in collaboration between care professionals, researchers, patients, and other stakeholders. This qualitative study was conducted during the adaptation phase of the Living Lab Dementia, an academic-practice partnership for collaborative research on long-term dementia care. The aim was to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on linking care practice and research in a sustainable, research-focused partnership. Data were collected in fifteen qualitative interviews with representatives from three stakeholder groups: nursing care professionals, people with dementia, and nursing researchers. Thematic Framework Analysis resulted in five themes: (1) Access, (2) Expectations, (3) Shaping the collaboration, (4) Linking Pins, and (5) Participation. The findings suggest that care professionals expect support in implementing research results into practice. Researchers should take the lead in shaping the collaboration and create opportunities for stakeholders to get involved.

Drones in Venice: Exploring business model applications for disruptive mobility and stakeholders’ value proposition

Drones can play a significant role in the paradigm shift desired by several international entities. Although many attempts to transport through the technology have encountered regulatory barriers, drones represent disruptive mobility that can foster social and environmental sustainability. For the successful implementation of this new mobility model, the support of several stakeholders is critical. In this regard, the paper applies the theoretical lens of stakeholder theory embedded within the business 4.0 model for the creation of value propositions. Through several semi-structured interviews, the research analyses findings related to a single case study concerning the unique location of Venice, Italy. The city emerges as having international interest because of its singular transportation system. Specifically, Flying Aid, a start-up venture of the Strategy Innovation ecosystem of the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, uses drones to transport drugs to remote areas to promote therapeutic access for patients with chronic diseases and transportation difficulties. The paper contributes to understanding how a paradigm shift through drone transportation may improve patient engagement and overcome transportation barriers. It also expands stakeholder engagement by empowering healthcare providers and promoting knowledge translation and systems integration. Moreover, the research contributes to the investigation of environmental and social sustainability by advancing knowledge toward cleaner production and decarbonized mobility. Finally, the paper provides insights into the elements of the business model 4.0, facilitating value creation for stakeholders.

Analysis of the Brazilian-Portuguese Content on Autism Spectrum Disorder Available on YouTube Videos

Aims Information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is available in different videos on YouTube. However, these videos might present inaccurate or outdated information. The aims of this study were to 1) identify characteristics of Brazilian-Portuguese videos about ASD (i.e., type of content, number of views, likes, and dislikes); 2) analyze the content of informative videos about ASD, by assessing their trustworthiness and overall quality; and 3) investigate the most popular topics of informative videos about ASD over time. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that investigated Brazilian-Portuguese ASD content on YouTube. Videos were selected by two examiners and categorized as experiential or informative. The Discern checklist and the Global Quality Score (GQS) were used to analyze the trustworthiness and quality of informative videos. Results In total, 216 videos were analyzed, of which 19.5% and 85% were classified as experiential and informative, respectively. The majority of informative videos presented moderate trustworthiness and quality. Videos about ASD clinical aspects were the most popular. Conclusion YouTube offers a large number of experiential and informative videos on ASD. However, some of these videos fail to present reliable and additional sources of information for stakeholders. Efforts to promote knowledge translation about ASD on YouTube are necessary.

A FRAMEWORK FOR IDENTIFYING MAJOR RESEARCH PRIORITIES: THE CITRA RESEARCH-TO-PRACTICE CONSENSUS WORKSHOP MODEL

Abstract The CITRA Research-to-Practice Consensus Workshop Model is an evidence-based method for identifying research priorities on aging-related topics. Its major goals are to promote knowledge translation and equal-status dialogue among stakeholders from multidisciplinary backgrounds. In this presentation, Dr. Pillemer, co-creator of the CITRA model, will provide an overview of the 5-step method: (1) Identifying a topic that is both an important challenge in aging-related policy or practice and one on which there is scientific evidence; (2) Selecting a panel of multidisciplinary experts from relevant stakeholder groups; (3) Preparing a non-technical background document that summarizes available research findings; (4) Convening multidisciplinary experts in a consensus conference involving panel presentations, discussion of the background document, and consensus activities; and (5) Preparing a final consensus report and disseminating the findings to relevant policy organizations, practice groups, and funding agencies. Common challenges and practical tips for executing each of the 5 steps will be addressed.

Landscape of Brazilian research and development public funding in advanced therapies: lessons learned and a roadmap for middle-income economies

Background aimsAdvanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) have reached the forefront of biotechnological innovation, partly due to public funders’ efforts in the early stages of research and development (R&D). Data on investment in R&D of ATMPs are recognized as scarce, particularly in developing countries. Because of the numerous peculiarities of the Brazilian health system and the science and technology (S&T) system, the country is a good example for the evaluation of public investments in R&D of ATMPs. The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of investments made by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Brazil and partners in the ATMP field between 2004 and 2020. MethodsA descriptive analysis was performed based on secondary data. The analysis was based on S&T and innovation research and support for research infrastructure in the field. The database was stratified by year of funding, ATMP type, type of study or research infrastructure project, amount invested in the project, targeted disease for which clinical trials in ATMPs were developed and financing sector (health, education, S&T and economic). ResultsThe investments coordinated by MoH (61.5%) in partnership with the S&T, education and economic sectors (38.5%) consisted of Int$137.35 million in 282 ATMP projects. Funding included S&T and innovation research (67% of the total amount) and projects to implement or maintain infrastructure in selected research centers (32.98%). With regard to global convergence, cell therapy was the type of ATMP that most benefited from public investment, totaling 82.23% of the total funding in the analyzed period. Cardiology (29%) and neurology (21%) were the main focus of clinical trials. Following the global trend of public sector R&D funding, the number of basic and pre-clinical research projects represented 78.06% of the total number of projects. ConclusionsDespite the need to implement improvements in ATMP R&D financing policy in Brazil, the country has made important steps in the field and can serve as a benchmark for other countries with socioeconomic similarities. Among the main lessons are the prioritization of research aligned with the health needs of the population, cross-sector articulation by the health policymaker to coordinate R&D efforts of the sector and formulation of a specific sector policy (Programa Genomas Brasil, the Brazilian National Program of Genomic and Precision Medicine) to promote knowledge translation.

Promoting Family-Centered Care: A Provider Training Effectiveness Study.

Although family-centered care (FCC) is a best practice in pediatrics, health care providers report challenges in translating FCC from theory to practice. To measure the effectiveness of the Better Together (BT) training to enhance providers' changes in FCC practice and self-efficacy. Pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Continuing education centers in Israel. Eighty-two participants-occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and art therapists-working in outpatient or school-based pediatric practices. We developed BT on the basis of adult learning theory to prepare providers to implement best practices in FCC. The training was delivered as six consecutive in-person workshops (30-hr total over 10 wk). We used the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC) Service Provider and Confidence versions to measure providers' perceptions of how they used specific aspects of FCC in their practice and their related self-efficacy. Observed changes included improved reports of FCC implementation and increased self-efficacy in all MPOC domains, with medium effect sizes. These outcomes were positively interrelated. Before the training, providers in outpatient settings who had more years of experience reported higher FCC use than less experienced participants in other settings; these differences disappeared by the end of the training. BT training can enhance health care providers' perceptions of FCC implementation and self-efficacy and minimize differences in FCC implementation by providers across expertise levels and practice settings. This study can inform the development of future FCC training interventions for providers, managers, educators, and researchers. What This Article Adds: Intensive training can improve both the way practitioners work with families and their self-efficacy in doing so. This study highlights the importance of self-efficacy in promoting knowledge translation.

Analysis of Informative Content on Cerebral Palsy Presented in Brazilian-Portuguese YouTube Videos

Aims: To describe the characteristics of the most accessed YouTube videos in Brazilian-Portuguese on cerebral palsy (CP), and to analyze content of informational videos about this topic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Searching on YouTube website was conducted by two independent examiners between November and December 2019, using the keywords “Paralisia Cerebral” sorted by videos’ number of views. Videos that did not present content related to CP or duplicate videos were excluded. The interaction parameters and content characteristics of the included videos were extracted. To access the trustworthiness and quality of informational videos, the modified Discern checklist and the Global Quality Score was used. Results: Following the eligibility criteria 90 videos were included. Fifty-three (53) were classified as experiential videos and 37 as informational videos. Informational videos presented multi-topics about different aspects of CP. This group of videos presented moderate trustworthiness due to the lack of scientific evidence content. Informational videos had good quality and generally good flow. Conclusion: YouTube presented a large number of videos about CP in Brazilian-Portuguese. Informational videos are useful for patients and healthcare providers; however, it is necessary to included information about scientific evidence, as a strategy to facilitate and promote knowledge translation.

Health research knowledge translation into policy in Zambia: policy-maker and researcher perspectives

BackgroundThe translation of public health research evidence into policy is critical to strengthening the capacity of local health systems to respond to major health challenges. However, a limited amount of public health research evidence generated in developing countries is actually translated into policy because of various factors. This study sought to explore the process of health research knowledge translation into policy and to identify factors that facilitate or hinder the process in Zambia.MethodsThis work was an exploratory qualitative study comprising two phases. Firstly, a document review of health policies and strategic frameworks governing research was undertaken to understand the macro-environment for knowledge translation in Zambia. Secondly, key informant interviews were conducted with those responsible for health research and policy formulation. The study interviewed 15 key informants and a thematic analysis approach was used.ResultsThe document review showed that there are policy efforts to promote knowledge translation through improvement of the research macro-environment. However, the interviews showed that coordination and linkage of the knowledge creation, translation and policy-making processes remains a challenge owing to lack of research knowledge translation capacity, limited resources and lack of knowledge hubs. Emerging local research leadership and the availability of existing stock of underutilized local health research data provide an opportunity to enhance knowledge translation to feed into policy processes in Zambia.ConclusionsPublic health research knowledge translation into policy remains a challenge in Zambia. To enhance the uptake of research evidence in policy-making, this study suggests the need for improved coordination, financing and capacity-building in knowledge translation processes for both health researchers and policy-makers.

Plain-language summaries: An essential component to promote knowledge translation.

In this era of evidence-based practice, scholarly work such as peer-reviewed scientific publications plays a vital role in policy and decision-making at an individual, organisation and country-level. Alongside being considered an essential means of communicating scholarly work, scientific publications also investigate the specific domains that lack well-established literature and thereby inform scientists and researchers to thrive for the betterment of the publics' well-being. Thus, the main purpose of articulating the scientific, scholarly work should be to make it understandable and accessible to everyone, including the lay audience. However, oftentimes, researchers overlook the lay summaries while publishing the research findings.

Delivering Evidence-Based Online Concussion Education to Medical and Healthcare Professionals: The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT).

Background Medical and healthcare professionals report an important gap in their training and knowledge on concussion diagnosis and management. The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) for medical professionals provides evidenced-based training and resources, representing an important effort to fill this gap. The goal of the current article was to summarize and describe the general uptake of the 2018 relaunch of the CATT for medical professionals and to present results of a quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI) assessment including qualitative feedback from medical and healthcare professionals. Methodology. Tracking completions via certificates and Google Analytics were used to measure uptake over the first two years following the 2018 relaunch and promotion of CATT for medical professionals. Medical and healthcare professionals who had completed the CATT from the time of the relaunch on June 11, 2018, to July 31, 2019, were invited via e-mail to participate in the survey-based QA/QI assessment. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Results Year 1 saw 8,072 pageviews for the CATT for medical professionals landing page, increasing to 9,382 in Year 2. Eighty-nine medical and healthcare professionals who had completed the CATT for medical professionals participated in the QA/QI assessment. Results showed that 85% of respondents reported learning new information about concussion; 73% reported changing the way they diagnose, treat, or manage concussion; and 71% reported recommending the CATT to colleagues. Qualitative data also indicated highly favourable opinions and experiences. Conclusions The CATT for medical professionals has demonstrated promise as a tool to promote knowledge translation practice and help fill the gap in concussion training and knowledge reported by medical and healthcare professionals.

Comparing Occupational Adaptation-Based and Traditional Training Programs for Dementia Care Teams: An Embedded Mixed-Methods Study.

With a growing demand for a dementia-capable workforce, attention shifts from disseminating knowledge of care strategies to facilitating teams translating knowledge into practice. Occupational Adaptation (OA) is a theoretical framework used to facilitate people resolving real-world challenges through active problem-solving, using relative mastery as its measure. This pilot study evaluated if and how OA-based training improves dementia care teams' relative mastery and team development more than a skills-based (SB) program. We report results of an embedded mixed-methods study with 28 employees of a continuing care retirement community (2 groups randomly assigned to 9-week programs). Data collection entailed 2 surveys conducted pre-, mid-, and postintervention; observations; journals; and follow-up interviews. We extended beyond quantitative and qualitative analyses with cross-cutting analyses exploring exemplar and exceptional cases. The OA group reported significantly greater improvements in relative mastery and team development (p < .05). Qualitative data supported the statistical findings and illuminated processes that led OA to outperform SB. OA participants, those who analyzed real cases and alternated collaborative planning with cooperative action, were more likely to indicate pre-post differences in relative mastery and team development. We identified features of the OA program that diverse participants deemed effective; features that suggest how OA could underpin clinically relevant learning for workers. Further research is required to develop evidence of clinical effectiveness; however, our findings have relevance for agencies wishing to promote knowledge translation and collaborative problem-solving in dementia workforce training.

The Canadian Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Collaborative Mobile App: A National Guideline Implementation Strategy.

Coinciding with the publication of the Canadian congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) Collaborative's clinical practice guidelines (CPG), we developed a mobile smartphone app to increase guideline utilization and promote knowledge translation. This mobile app was organized into sections corresponding to the phases of CDH care (prenatal, perinatal/postnatal, and child/adolescent), and contained 22 recommendations supported by evidence summaries, PubMed links, levels of evidence, and strength of expert consensus. Download statistics were collected from September 2018 to June 2020 after release of two iOS versions and an Android platform. Data regarding user numbers/location, most visited sections, and individual session details were analyzed. During the study period, the CDH app had 1,586 users predominantly from Canada (40%), United States (30%), and Brazil (12%). The Android release increased app visibility, particularly in Brazil, which had the largest number of new users. Of 3,723 sessions, roughly one-third were returning users. The average session duration and screens viewed/session was 4 minutes and seven screens, respectively. Postnatal ventilation was the most frequently visited subsection after prenatal diagnosis/risk stratification. Measurement of observed-to-expected lung head ratio was the most visited individual recommendation. The guideline compliance checklist was the most frequently accessed resource highlighting its utility. The CDH app is an innovative platform to disseminate guidelines. The increasing global reach of the app suggests worldwide CPG relevance. With additional features planned, the CDH app will continue to support clinical decision-making and empower patients and families as they navigate the short and long-term challenges associated with CDH. · Mobile smartphone technology provides an optimal platform for guideline dissemination.. · International uptake supports worldwide CPG relevance.. · Future initiatives include the development of patient and family resources..

Building Capacity of Occupational Therapy Students to Address the Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth during a Level II Fieldwork in a School Setting

ABSTRACT To explore the meaning and outcomes of a virtual building capacity process designed to promote knowledge translation of a public health approach to mental health with children and youth by occupational therapy students completing a Level II Fieldwork experience in school settings. A one-group (n= 19) mixed design using quantitative (pretest-posttest survey) and qualitative methods (phenomenological analysis of written reflections) was used to explore the meaning and outcomes of participation in the virtual building capacity process. Statistically significant improvements (p <.00) in pretest-posttest scores of knowledge, beliefs and actions related to addressing mental health were found in 7 of the 9 categories. Four qualitative themes emerged from the data: New thinking regarding ‘mental health’; Gearing up for change; Planning led to implementation; and the Building capacity process was meaningful and enjoyable. The building capacity process expanded student knowledge of a public health approach to mental health resulting in increased awareness and application of embedded strategies to address the mental health needs of students during a Level II Fieldwork experience in school settings.

The Burwood Academy: incorporating the principles of the independent living paradigm into rehabilitation research

Purpose The independent living (IL) movement is a social movement but also an analytic paradigm which can be used to inform and shape rehabilitation research and practice. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the principles of DeJong’s IL paradigm have been used to develop a guiding framework for the Burwood Academy, a rehabilitation and disability research organisation in New Zealand. The Burwood Academy drew on the consumer empowerment principles inherent in DeJong’s IL paradigm, whereby the person learns to take control of the rehabilitation process, on which to promote consumer empowerment in all of the Academy’s endeavours. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on three investigative phases of work: a stakeholder dialogue, a narrative review and a benchmarking exercise that collectively enabled the development of a working framework based on DeJong’s IL paradigm. Findings This paper highlights pragmatic strategies that are used to better promote consumer inclusion in the research process, build researcher capacity among consumers and clinicians, and promote knowledge translation through a range of tertiary and clinical education forums. Research limitations/implications The results of this study identified numerous ways to promote consumer empowerment in research. Future research is needed to explore the effectiveness of the proposed framework further. Practical implications This paper suggests potential avenues to address the complexities of promoting the role of the “expert consumer” imbedded in clinical environments where this is not usually a priority in training and practice of health professionals. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study more pragmatic ways to promote consumer empowerment in both clinical and research settings.

3200 Balancing Cost and Quality of Care in the US and Denmark: Lessons for Nations Transitioning from Volume-Based to Value-Based Care

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Promote knowledge translation and evidence-informed decision-making by assessing barriers and facilitators to balancing cost and quality of care within the US state of Maryland and nation of Denmark. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Open-ended and semi-structured key-informant interviews were conducted in 2016 and 2017 among high level decision-makers in Maryland (N=21) and the Danish (N=17) healthcare systems, including hospital, local, regional, and cross-organizational administrators and elected officials. The interviews consisted of questions related to: (1) currently practiced and preferred approaches to resource allocation and development and use of quality performance measures, and (2) preferred sources, formats/styles, modes of information, and decision-making strategies based on a shift from volume to quality-driven care. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Decision-makers in Maryland expressed the need for collaboration in a changing environment, yet increasingly rely on cost and quality outcomes data to drive decisions and note the struggle to identify credible and useful information. Maryland decision-makers also face challenges in regulating utilization and costs without mandated participation of physician practices within the global budget cap model, which is perceived to be a primary driver of healthcare utilization in the hospital sector. Similarly, decision-makers in Denmark conveyed the importance of quantitative data to aid decisions, however, stress collaboration and dialogue as driving factors and important sources of information. Danish decision-makers also express challenges to wide-spread adoption of a quality-driven approach due to unsustained quality assurance regulatory bodies. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The findings suggest implementation of value-based healthcare is highly driven and influenced by availability of credible data, which may significantly impact development of policies and innovative cost control strategies, and regulatory oversight to promote adoption of quality measures in decision-making. Furthermore, collaboration within and across healthcare organizations remains a key component to health system improvement as it fosters dialogue and sharing of best practices among stakeholders.

Is Online Training an Effective Workforce Development Strategy for Transition Service Providers? Results of a Comparative Study

Service providers working with transition-aged young people with mental health disorders require specialized research-based training to better meet their needs. A 10-module interactive online training program, Promoting Positive Pathways to Adulthood (PPPA), was developed to build service provider competencies to improve outcomes for the youth with whom they work. In total, 19 organizations participated in a longitudinal quasi-experimental study that compared training outcomes for participants receiving PPPA online training only (Group 1) with those receiving PPPA online training with team-based practice activities (Group 2). Most of the 63 service providers participating in the training were females, below 40 years, had at least one college degree, and were non-Hispanic White. Both groups made significant gains in their transition-related knowledge, and their self-efficacy to provide transition services. Group 2 with additional practice activities achieved significantly higher knowledge scores than Group 1 receiving online-only training. Team-based activities evaluated by Group 2 participants as more engaging and culturally relevant were also rated as more likely to help improve practice. Future research is needed to track youth outcomes after service provider training, and to examine the organizational supports necessary to promote knowledge translation for transition service providers.

Networking in eHealth research: results of the IDRC SEARCH program evaluation.

BackgroundThe IDRC ‘Strengthening Equity through Applied Research Capacity building in eHealth’ (SEARCH) funded seven research projects in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Peru and Vietnam that sought to answer questions or test solutions related to the use of Internet or mobile phone technology in strengthening health systems. The evaluation accompanied these projects over two years to answer, among others, the question how cross-grant learning interactions influenced project outcomes.MethodsThe evaluation team conducted repeated interviews and on-line questionnaire surveys with the research teams and analysed the information exchanges among researchers on a SharePoint site established by IDRC.ResultsThe expectations of the SEARCH program in terms of cross-project learning were only partially realized. The diversity of themes, language barriers and differences in context were cited as main reasons. Non-facilitated active cross-grant networking was only observed between two teams working in English on thematically similar issues. However, networking among all projects was active during two program workshops organized by IDRC.ConclusionsNetworking among research teams can increase the quality and the applicability of health systems research and potentially promote knowledge translation. Spontaneous networking across language barriers is, however, difficult. Effective global research networks require dedicated human and financial resources to keep them vibrant and alive.Keywordse-health, refugees