Improving the Utilization of Research Knowledge in Agri-food Public Health: A Mixed-Method Review of Knowledge Translation and Transfer

Abstract

Knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) aims to increase research utilization and ensure that the best available knowledge is used to inform policy and practice. Many frameworks, methods, and terms are used to describe KTT, and the field has largely developed in the health sector over the past decade. There is a need to review key KTT principles and methods in different sectors and evaluate their potential application in agri-food public health. We conducted a structured mixed-method review of the KTT literature. From 827 citations identified in a comprehensive search, we characterized 160 relevant review articles, case studies, and reports. A thematic analysis was conducted on a prioritized and representative subset of 33 articles to identify key principles and characteristics for ensuring effective KTT. The review steps were conducted by two or more independent reviewers using structured and pretested forms. We identified five key principles for effective KTT that were described within two contexts: to improve research utilization in general and to inform policy-making. To ensure general research uptake, there is a need for the following: (1) relevant and credible research; (2) ongoing interactions between researchers and end-users; (3) organizational support and culture; and (4) monitoring and evaluation. To inform policy-making, (5) researchers must also address the multiple and competing contextual factors of the policy-making process. We also describe 23 recommended and promising KTT methods, including six synthesis (e.g., systematic reviews, mixed-method reviews, and rapid reviews); nine dissemination (e.g., evidence summaries, social media, and policy briefs); and eight exchange methods (e.g., communities of practice, knowledge brokering, and policy dialogues). A brief description, contextual example, and key references are provided for each method. We recommend a wider endorsement of KTT principles and methods in agri-food public health, but there are also important gaps and challenges that should be addressed in the future.

Mycobacterium avium ssp . paratuberculosis detection in animals, food, water and other sources or vehicles of human exposure: A scoping review of the existing evidence

“…An a priori developed and pre-tested ScR protocol (Supplementary Material: Appendix 1) included the study question, sub-questions, definitions, procedure for literature search, study inclusion/exclusion criteria and checklists for conducting relevance screening and study characterization of relevant primary research following the principles and steps of ScR methodology (Rajic et al, 2013;Pham et al, 2014;Young et al, 2014). Six animal health, human health and agri-food experts from across Canada were engaged to provide feedback on the scope of this project, input on hypothesized sources of M. paratuberculosis and insight into the relevance of the issue within their disciplines.…”

“…The improved transparency and accountability ensured by synthesis research methodologies is important for evidence-informed policy-making in zoonotic public health, particularly on questions and issues that cut across many disciplines and for which there may be sparse and contradictory evidence (Rajic et al, 2013). Scoping reviews (ScR) are well-suited to assess broad, policy-relevant questions, whereas systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) are better suited to address focused questions (Sargeant J. et al, 2006;Pham et al, 2014;Young et al, 2014).…”

Research dissemination workshops: observations and implications based on an experience in Burkina Faso

“…Evaluating the effects of KT strategies, including knowledge use, remains a challenge in this field [54]. Moreover, some effects, particularly at the public policy level, are only produced after several years [24]. Another limit to this evaluation is that data were restricted to the participants’ perceptions of effects.…”

“…Evaluative studies are needed to determine whether the research knowledge was, or was likely to be, used by the key actors targeted [23, 24]. Studies measuring the effects of KT strategies are still relatively rare [23], particularly in Africa [25].…”

Social media; a tool for retention?

“…There is a huge potential in research for using different social media sites for retention and looking at their long term effects in a longitudinal study like the CHILD study – something not yet looked into at depth [1]. At present, most social media sites in research are involved in recruiting participants for studies.…”