Article type
Year
Abstract
Objective: This study evaluated relevance and accessibility of systematic review results to health systems planning decision-makers in Ontario, Canada. Decision-maker's awareness and attitudes to systematic reviews, described user preferences for review format and medium, identified factors associated with review results use and application, and perceptions of barriers to research use in decision-making were assessed.
Methods: A telephone survey was conducted with all management and policy decision-makers responsible for Public Health Nursing programs. Respondents were asked about their awareness of and attitudes to systematic reviews for research transfer. Access to 5 completed reviews on Public Health Nursing interventions was provided in summary, abstract, and full form, by disc, hard copy and via Internet. A three month follow-up survey assessed review use, relevance, application and further dissemination.
Results: A 91 % response rate was achieved for the first survey and of those 96% responded to the follow-up. Preliminary data analysis indicates that 88% of respondents believe research synthesis should be a top or high priority on the public health research agenda. Over 80% of respondents requested at least one review. Hard copy was the preferred medium; the full paper was the preferred format At follow-up, respondents' perceptions of the potential of such reviews to overcome most barriers to research use in decision-making improved. Further data analysis will look at study group variations, association of review use factors, and perceptions of specific barriers in research utilisation.
Discussion: To support evidence-based programme planning and policy-making decisions, methodologically sound research syntheses are in demand. A heavy reliance on paper-based dissemination continues. Use of review results may be influenced by timing, discipline, programming responsibilities, rates of change, previous exposure to systematic reviews and the supportive environment.
Methods: A telephone survey was conducted with all management and policy decision-makers responsible for Public Health Nursing programs. Respondents were asked about their awareness of and attitudes to systematic reviews for research transfer. Access to 5 completed reviews on Public Health Nursing interventions was provided in summary, abstract, and full form, by disc, hard copy and via Internet. A three month follow-up survey assessed review use, relevance, application and further dissemination.
Results: A 91 % response rate was achieved for the first survey and of those 96% responded to the follow-up. Preliminary data analysis indicates that 88% of respondents believe research synthesis should be a top or high priority on the public health research agenda. Over 80% of respondents requested at least one review. Hard copy was the preferred medium; the full paper was the preferred format At follow-up, respondents' perceptions of the potential of such reviews to overcome most barriers to research use in decision-making improved. Further data analysis will look at study group variations, association of review use factors, and perceptions of specific barriers in research utilisation.
Discussion: To support evidence-based programme planning and policy-making decisions, methodologically sound research syntheses are in demand. A heavy reliance on paper-based dissemination continues. Use of review results may be influenced by timing, discipline, programming responsibilities, rates of change, previous exposure to systematic reviews and the supportive environment.