Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Research findings cannot improve population outcomes unless healthcare systems, organisations and professionals use them in practice and in policy-making.1 Unfortunately, the transfer of research findings into practice and policy is unpredictable and can be slow and haphazard.2 One method of bridging the gaps between research and practice is to facilitate knowledge sharing and contact among stakeholders through networks.
Objectives: To create a network to bridge the gaps between researchers and users by adapting a model of a network in the U.K. to Canada. The network should facilitate knowledge sharing, creation and dissemination; and build relationships between users and researchers.
Methods: C.H.A.I.N. (Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network), a network for people working in health care interested in research and evidence based practice was developed in the UK 7 years ago. A directory of network members was created and contains details of members' experience and interests. It was made securely available on the Internet for members to search for and make contact with other members. A system for disseminating and targeting information was developed.
C.H.A.I.N. Canada, an autonomous sister-network, is currently being launched and populated with Canadians. The Canadian network is led by the Centre for Best Practice, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa in collaboration with the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group. It has been created as an independent network, which once populated, will have provincial and national levels of operation and its own identity. Networking between C.H.A.I.N. UK and Canada was made possible.
Results: Over 3 000 members are participating in and benefiting from the U.K. network. The directory has reached a critical mass and consists of members from a wide variety of backgrounds such as internal medicine, public health and primary care. Members have a range of expertise in research and implementation; some are at the forefront (often "local champions"), while others have a newly kindled interest. Members use the directory successfully to identify contacts and respond to queries from their colleagues. A facilitator who targets messages ensures that members receive information that is appropriate and relevant to their interests. This is particularly important in the context of a network which encompasses such a diverse range of members. C.H.A.I.N. members also report that the network provides information about new research evidence, examples of the translation of evidence into local policy, funding opportunities, and details of conferences and events that they do not receive through other channels.
Conclusions: C.H.A.I.N. offers a successful model for linking professionals, organisations, researchers, practitioners and policy makers; and, for disseminating research and supporting its implementation. The launch of C.H.A.I.N. Canada, is an exciting new development to encourage collaboration and the sharing of information and enthusiasm.
References: 1. Grimshaw JM, Ward J, Eccles M. Getting research into practice. In: Pencheon D, Gray JAM, Guest C, Melzer D, editors. Oxford Handbook of Public Health. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2001. 2. Agency for Health Research and Quality. Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP)-II. Washington, DC: Agency for Health Research and Quality, 2001.
Objectives: To create a network to bridge the gaps between researchers and users by adapting a model of a network in the U.K. to Canada. The network should facilitate knowledge sharing, creation and dissemination; and build relationships between users and researchers.
Methods: C.H.A.I.N. (Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network), a network for people working in health care interested in research and evidence based practice was developed in the UK 7 years ago. A directory of network members was created and contains details of members' experience and interests. It was made securely available on the Internet for members to search for and make contact with other members. A system for disseminating and targeting information was developed.
C.H.A.I.N. Canada, an autonomous sister-network, is currently being launched and populated with Canadians. The Canadian network is led by the Centre for Best Practice, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa in collaboration with the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group. It has been created as an independent network, which once populated, will have provincial and national levels of operation and its own identity. Networking between C.H.A.I.N. UK and Canada was made possible.
Results: Over 3 000 members are participating in and benefiting from the U.K. network. The directory has reached a critical mass and consists of members from a wide variety of backgrounds such as internal medicine, public health and primary care. Members have a range of expertise in research and implementation; some are at the forefront (often "local champions"), while others have a newly kindled interest. Members use the directory successfully to identify contacts and respond to queries from their colleagues. A facilitator who targets messages ensures that members receive information that is appropriate and relevant to their interests. This is particularly important in the context of a network which encompasses such a diverse range of members. C.H.A.I.N. members also report that the network provides information about new research evidence, examples of the translation of evidence into local policy, funding opportunities, and details of conferences and events that they do not receive through other channels.
Conclusions: C.H.A.I.N. offers a successful model for linking professionals, organisations, researchers, practitioners and policy makers; and, for disseminating research and supporting its implementation. The launch of C.H.A.I.N. Canada, is an exciting new development to encourage collaboration and the sharing of information and enthusiasm.
References: 1. Grimshaw JM, Ward J, Eccles M. Getting research into practice. In: Pencheon D, Gray JAM, Guest C, Melzer D, editors. Oxford Handbook of Public Health. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2001. 2. Agency for Health Research and Quality. Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP)-II. Washington, DC: Agency for Health Research and Quality, 2001.