Developing a Cochrane Child Health knowledge translation plan: why, how, and for whom?

Article type
Authors
Elliott S1, Thomson D2, Williams K3, Fernandes R4, Zimmermann G5, Hartling L6
1Cochrane Child Health, University of Alberta
2Knowledge Translation Platform, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, University of Alberta; Cochrane Child Health
3School of Pediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Cochrane Child Health
4Department of Pediatrics, Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon Academic Center, Lisbon;Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Cochrane Child Health
5Knowledge Translation Platform, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, University of Alberta; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary
6Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta; Cochrane Child Health
Abstract
Background: Cochrane Child Health (CCH) carries out knowledge translation (KT) of Cochrane evidence to different end users (clinicians, patients, policy makers). In order to be at the forefront of KT within Cochrane, we recognise we need to have a comprehensive strategy that supports Cochrane's KT framework.

Objectives: To develop a feasible and sustainable KT plan for CCH that aligns with Cochrane’s KT Framework and meets our users' needs.

Methods: We identified and mapped our current initiatives within the Cochrane KT Framework to provide clarity around our role in KT and determine priority of activities. The CCH co-Directors and Coordinator met with an external KT program manager to develop a strategic plan. During the strategy session we listed our current initiatives, and classified them under five main areas of work; 1) priority setting; 2) review production; 3) methods development; 4) training/capacity building; and 5) access to evidence. We mapped projects under each area to the six themes in Cochrane’s KT Framework. We flagged themes that covered multiple areas of work as core activity areas.

Results: Our current initiatives fall mainly within three of the Cochrane KT Framework themes: 1) packaging/push; 2) facilitating pull; and 3) prioritisation and co-production, so we will prioritise our efforts within these three themes. This will ensure our limited resources are utilised effectively, and that our work has wide impact. Throughout our diverse KT efforts, our work will also feed into other Cochrane KT Framework domains, such as: network building, building demand/advocacy, knowledge translation outputs, and stakeholder engagement. Through this, we will contribute to the goals of Cochrane’s Strategy 2020, by helping to produce accessible evidence in an effective and sustainable manner that meets the needs of our stakeholders. We are building an evaluation component into our KT plan, to monitor the effectiveness and sustainability of our KT processes.

Conclusions: Our strategy highlights key areas of focus for CCH and the main audiences we will be targeting. Cochrane’s KT Framework is directing our choice of audience, message, and product to enhance KT of Cochrane child health evidence.

Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: CCH’s Pediatric Parent Advisory Group is involved in the development and evaluation of the KT plan