Article type
Abstract
Background: A 2-page Issue Brief is a knowledge translation (KT) tool that serves as a bridge between scientific manuscripts and policy briefs. It is tailored to a specific audience and highlights priority actions, key findings and implications linked to research. Colleagues at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, have been training researchers and practitioners in developing, tailoring and disseminating Issue Briefs (IBs) as a tool for sharing information and advocating for change.
Aims: to share the experience of building capacity in Africa for evidence translation through deliberate stakeholder engagement, and in particular, the experience of using IBs as an advocacy and action-compelling tool.
Methods: We invited all course participants who have attended the issue brief training since 2015 (approx 135) to complete an online survey, comprising Likert scale as well as open ended questions. Course evaluations were an additional source. Follow up InDepth Interviews (IDI) allowed for deeper exploration of the survey responses. Quantitative, descriptive data from the survey were analysed using Excel. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed through inductive and deductive coding. Emerging themes were identified through iterative discussions.
Results: We received 35 survey responses and eight IDIs to date. Majority of respondents (60%) have created 2-5 IBs and shared these with priority stakeholders in various ways. 97% of respondents indicated that the content was relevant to targeted decision makers, with 47% noting that they adapted some of the content further. 94% agreed that the format of the issue briefs were appropriate for use in their own contexts. No one suggested that IBs failed to compel action, nor did anyone express reluctance to recommend this KT tool for decision makers. Furthermore, 52% of participants noted institutional demand for training with 29% advancing on this. 41% indicated that decision makers prefer to receive them in person and/or electronically. Qualitative data analysis is currently ongoing. Results will be presented at GES.
Conclusion: Participants found IBs to be a helpful tool to provide evidence, recommendations and implications to compel decision-makers to effect change. Evidence producers should consider using Issue Briefs as a veritable knowledge translation tool for effecting change in their contexts.
Aims: to share the experience of building capacity in Africa for evidence translation through deliberate stakeholder engagement, and in particular, the experience of using IBs as an advocacy and action-compelling tool.
Methods: We invited all course participants who have attended the issue brief training since 2015 (approx 135) to complete an online survey, comprising Likert scale as well as open ended questions. Course evaluations were an additional source. Follow up InDepth Interviews (IDI) allowed for deeper exploration of the survey responses. Quantitative, descriptive data from the survey were analysed using Excel. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed through inductive and deductive coding. Emerging themes were identified through iterative discussions.
Results: We received 35 survey responses and eight IDIs to date. Majority of respondents (60%) have created 2-5 IBs and shared these with priority stakeholders in various ways. 97% of respondents indicated that the content was relevant to targeted decision makers, with 47% noting that they adapted some of the content further. 94% agreed that the format of the issue briefs were appropriate for use in their own contexts. No one suggested that IBs failed to compel action, nor did anyone express reluctance to recommend this KT tool for decision makers. Furthermore, 52% of participants noted institutional demand for training with 29% advancing on this. 41% indicated that decision makers prefer to receive them in person and/or electronically. Qualitative data analysis is currently ongoing. Results will be presented at GES.
Conclusion: Participants found IBs to be a helpful tool to provide evidence, recommendations and implications to compel decision-makers to effect change. Evidence producers should consider using Issue Briefs as a veritable knowledge translation tool for effecting change in their contexts.