Wilson, P.M., Petticrew, M., Calnan, M. W. & Nazareth, I. (2010). Disseminating Research Findings: What Should Researchers do? A Systematic Scoping Review of Conceptual Frameworks. Implementation Science, 5(91), 1-16.

Format: Peer-reviewed article

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: A literature review identifies 20 knowledge translation/dissemination frameworks. The theoretical foundations and functional elements of each framework are presented. The objective is to stimulate researchers and funding agencies to pay more attention to, and be more specific about knowledge translation/dissemination strategies, practices and outcomes.

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

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

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization

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

• Research funding agencies should go beyond simply asking researchers to describe generally how finding from their research will be disseminated. At a minimum, agencies should encourage researchers to identify precisely how they will incorporate relevant elements of existing theory- or evidence-informed dissemination approaches. Over time, greater availability of this kind of dissemination usage data will enhance agency and researcher ability to critically evaluate dissemination efficacy.
  Literature review.

• When engaging in knowledge translation, researchers should try to avoid the simple messenger-receiver model of communication and explore approaches that involve stakeholder participation.
  Literature review.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3, Step 3.1

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider how best to determine all costs associated dissemination. (Harmsworth [2001]; Canadian Health Services Research Foundation [2004])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 3.4

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider what the best timing is to optimize dissemination activities. (CRD [1994, 2009])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 3.8, KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider clarifying the research priorities that are being addressed and the respective funding sources. Researchers should also clearly state their dissemination goals. (Majdzadeh [2008]; Canadian Health Services Research Foundation [2004])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 2.A, KTA Step 3.A, KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 2.B, KTA Step 3.B, Step 3.2

• When implementing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should try to adopt a proactive approach to dissemination. (Hughes [2000]; Harmsworth [2001])

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider factors associated with the content of the communication (what will be delivered) and what resources and supporting materials are needed. (Winkler [1985]; CRD [1994, 2009]; National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research [1996, 2001]; Scullion [2002]; Lavis [2003]; Canadian Health Services Research Foundation [2004]; Carpenter [2005]; Bauman [2006]; Formoso [2007]; Friese [2009]; Majdzadeh [2008], Hughes [2000]; Harmsworth [2001])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.D, KTA Step 2.D, KTA Step 3.D

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider which communication channels (media) are most applicable and whether the news media should be involved. (Winkler [1985]; CRD [1994, 2009]; National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research [1996, 2001]; Harmsworth [2001]; Scullion [2002]; Lavis [2003]; Canadian Health Services Research Foundation [2004]; European Commission [2004]; Carpenter [2005]; Bauman [2006]; Friese [2009])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Tip 1.3, KTA Tip 2.3, KTA Tip 3.3

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider: relevant factors associated with how the knowledge is expected to be used by stakeholders (e.g., practitioners, policy makers), provision of a set of practical implementation tools, and the value of establishing communities or networks to facilitate use. (National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research [1996, 2001]; Carpenter [2005]; Hughes [2000]; Yuan [2010])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.D, KTA Step 2.D, KTA Step 3.D

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider relevant factors associated with the setting in which the knowledge is expected to be received. (Winkler [1985]; CRD [1994, 2009])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 2.B, KTA Step 3.B

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider the possibility of external factors that may impede or facilitate the process. (Hughes [2000]; Bauman [2006])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.C, KTA Step 2.C, KTA Step 3.C

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider conducting a field test prior to full implementation. (Herie [2002])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Tip 1.2, KTA Tip 2.2, KTA Tip 3.2

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider how they will monitor progress, obtain feedback, and evaluate success. (Yuan [2010]; CRD [1994, 2009]; Harmsworth [2001]; Herie [2002]; Lavis [2003]; Canadian Health Services Research Foundation [2004]; European Commission [2004]; Carpenter [2005]; Zarinpoush [2007])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.E, KTA Step 2.E, KTA Step 3.E, KTA Step 1.F, KTA Step 2.F, KTA Step 3.F, Step 3.6

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider factors associated with the source of the communication (the individual delivering the message), their credibility, and any individuals that can assist with the dissemination. (Winkler [1985]; CRD [1994, 2009]; National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research [1996, 2001]; Scullion [2002]; Lavis [2003]; Canadian Health Services Research Foundation [2004]; European Commision [2004]; Majdzadeh [2003]; Harmsworth [2001]; Bauman [2006])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3

• When designing a knowledge translation communication strategy, researchers should consider relevant factors associated with the characteristics of the audience receiving the knowledge, any relationships that could enhance receptivity, ways to acknowledge and convey respect for audience knowledge and experience, and a minimal threshold for participation. (Winkler [1985]; CRD [1994, 2009]; Hughes [2000]; Harmsworth [2001]; Scullion [2002]; European Commission [2004]; Bauman [2006]; Zarinpoush [2007]; Majdzadeh [2008]; Friese [2009]; Yuan [2010])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 2.B, KTA Step 3.B