McGrath, P.J., Lingley-Pottie, P., Johnson Emberly, D., Thurston,C., McLean, C. (2009). Integrated Knowledge Translation in Mental Health: Family Help as an Example. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 18(1), 30-37.

Format: Peer-reviewed article

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: The authors employ an integrated knowledge translation approach to design, implement and communicate mental health research. Integrated knowledge translation requires that representatives from all key stakeholder groups be actively involved in the research project, from its inception to its completion.

Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Community, Government, University

Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Clinicians, Policy Makers, Researchers

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization

This article uses the Commercial Devices and Services version of the NtK Model

Method: Involve stakeholders in the development and execution of a comprehensive communication plan. Communication vehicles should be tailored to respective stakeholder groups (e.g., for physicians and other health professionals — private visits to clinic offices, group-based presentations; for educators, care providers, community members, end users and the media — public appearances, including information booths at local malls, storefronts and community exhibits). Other community communication vehicles include newsletters, public awareness campaigns and advertisements. Professional communication includes interactions at local conferences.
Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Tip 1.3, Step 3.1, Step 3.3

• If the integrated KT approach (which leverages the involvement of key stakeholders from research inception to completion) is used, ensure that adequate funding is allocated for promotional activities (e.g., public appearances, including information booths at local malls, storefronts and community exhibits; newsletters, public awareness campaigns and advertisements.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 3.1, Step 3.4, Step 1.1

• Research design: Where possible, involve an international, interdisciplinary team of experts and professionals in the design of the research program and its related content. Active and regular researcher interaction with political and policy decision-makers is highly recommended.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 2.A, KTA Step 3.A, Step 3.1, Step 2.2, Step 1.1

• Research execution: Face-to-face engagement with stakeholders and active participation in community-based activities can be effective KT strategies.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.D, KTA Step 2.D, KTA Step 3.D, Step 3.1, Step 3.9, Step 3.8, Step 3.7, Step 3.3, Step 3.6

• Using an integrated KT approach (which leverages the involvement of key stakeholders from research inception to completion) enhances the potential for broadening penetration and widening acceptance of research-based results and strengthening the uptake and implementation of the research-based evidence, practices and services. Also encourage the commitment of sustainable funding.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.

• If the integrated KT approach (which leverages the involvement of key stakeholders from research inception to completion) is being applied in multiple locations, ensure that adequate time and funding are included. Detailed advance planning and coordinated travel activities optimize funding requirements.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 1.3

• If the integrated KT approach (which leverages the involvement of key stakeholders from research inception to completion) is used, ensure that stakeholders that may rely upon the study results for policy-related decision-making are aware they will have to wait until the end of the study to access the results. If there are timing misalignments, alternate reporting strategies may be developed in the early stages of the study.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 1.3

• If the integrated KT approach (which leverages the involvement of key stakeholders from research inception to completion) is being considered, ensure that the researcher understands they will have to share control of the project, with non-scientific stakeholders that may have a very different world view.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 1.3, Step 3.1

• Research execution: Integrated KT Plan — Timeline and Content: For the research design, active research and study completion phases, the plan identifies the respective stakeholders, their reason for inclusion and their contribution to the study.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 1.3, Step 1.1

• Research execution: Establish a stakeholder-representative Advisory Committee to act as project champions and to receive timely project updates and provide authoritative advice regarding project productivity, risk and budget.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3, Step 3.1, Step 4.1, Step 1.3

• Research execution: Setup a study management team to oversee logistics, track progress and make decisions.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3, Step 3.1, Step 1.3

• Research execution: Start with a pilot study. Test and refine the research design and content. Feedback from stakeholders is invaluable.
  Applying integrated KT in Mental Health research.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 3.3

Barrier: Researchers that use the integrated KT (which leverages the involvement of key stakeholders from research inception to completion) process may encounter several challenges when they attempt to use research evidence to influence government policy in program delivery. Research evidence competes for the attention of policy-makers with other influencers, such as, public opinion, institutional constraints and fiscal constraints. Researchers can strengthen the likelihood of KT success by better understanding the policy-making process, regularly interacting with policy-makers, building trusted relationships and partnerships, and engaging in the timely communication of research findings. (Waddell [2005])
Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.D, KTA Step 2.C, KTA Step 2.D, KTA Step 1.C, KTA Step 3.C, KTA Step 3.D

Method: Integrated KT is a collaborative, participatory, action-oriented way of conducting research that results in the co-creation of knowledge by researchers and knowledge users. The end result of this collaboration is the integration of research findings into clinical practice in a more structured, efficient, expedient and effective manner. (Tetroe [2007])

Tip: Integrated KT (which leverages the involvement of key stakeholders from research inception to completion) is not appropriate for all research. Some research is not intended to produce a result that should be directly used in policy making, clinical care or public health. (Tetroe [2007])