Exploring 10 years of dissemination of the F‐words for Child Development: A multifaceted case study

Abstract

Background: There is growing interest in exploring how to move research findings into practice. Since 2014, a team of families and researchers has been working to promote and study the dissemination of the "F-words for Child Development" (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future). This case study describes our dissemination strategies and uses the Diffusion of Innovation theory to understand the factors contributing to the uptake of the F-words-a function-promoting, strengths-based, and family-centred innovation in child health and development.Methods: Between November 2011 and November 2021, we collected data from multiple sources: our dissemination strategies, including affiliated documents/ artefacts (e.g., videos and presentations) and evaluation data (e.g., surveys and Google/video analytics). We used a two-step analysis: (1) a chronological time series to describe the processes involved along with indicators of dissemination over time (e.g., increase knowledge and awareness); and (2) Diffusion of Innovation theory to explore the factors that contributed to the uptake of the F-words.Results: Multifaceted dissemination strategies were essential to raise awareness and increase families' and service providers' knowledge of the F-words. These included three primary strategies: (i) development and distribution of educational materials;(ii) presentations at educational meetings; and (iii) educational outreach visits. Additional strategies, such as the use of mass media, collaboration with early adopters/ champions, and the involvement of family members further supported dissemination efforts. Diffusion of Innovation factors (innovation characteristics, time, social systems, and communication channels) all contributed to the uptake of this innovation.Conclusions: Purposeful planned dissemination practice, to increase knowledge and awareness of an innovation, is an important step in the knowledge translation process. Over a period of 10 years, through the use of multiple dissemination strategies conducted in partnership with families and service providers, the F-words have spread globally. Diffusion of Innovation theory has served to help understand how and why the F-words are being shared and adopted around the world.

Rolling with the F-words Life Wheel: reflexive thematic analysis of a coaching-based, holistic approach to pediatric occupational therapy

“…The catchy name acted as an aide mémoire, helped eliminate jargon, and made the ICF more accessible to families by contextualizing it in a way that was familiar and understandable. Developed in partnership with CanChild in Canada, the F-words were general enough to be applied globally (Soper et al, 2019) and have now been translated into over 30 languages (Cross et al, 2022).…”

Reflexive thematic analysis of a coaching‐based, holistic approach to child development

“…The catchy name acted as an aide mémoire, helped eliminate jargon and made the ICF more accessible to families and providers by contextualizing it in a way that was familiar and understandable. The applicability of the F‐words in broad contexts is evident by its uptake globally (Soper et al, 2019) and >30 language translations of the ideas (Cross et al, 2022); however, the applicability to Indigenous concepts of wellbeing is less clear (Alford et al, 2013; Beaudin, 2011).…”

Effects of hippotherapy on gross motor function in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy – a scoping review

“…Dla większości pacjentów z MPD oraz ich rodziców nadrzędnym celem jest aktywne uczestnictwo dziecka w życiu społecznym. Ważne, aby cele terapeutyczne uwzględniały potrzeby pacjenta i wpływ rodziny na proces terapii (Cross et al, 2022). Formułując cele, warto pamiętać o paradygmacie "F-words", zaproponowanym przez Rosenbauma i Gortera (2012), kompatybilnym z Międzynarodową Klasyfikacją Funkcjonowania, Niepełnosprawności i Zdrowia (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, ICF).…”