Article type
Abstract
Background: Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) is used to enhance engagement between researchers and decision-makers to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM). Most studies assessing IKT focus on outcomes with little attention to actual processes that determine its effectiveness. IKT was critical to the Collaboration for Evidence-based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+), which conducted research on the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases in 5 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, structured and ad hoc stakeholder engagement was used to guide EIDM at a local and national level. The strategy leveraged and strengthened relationships between researchers and decision-makers through regular communication, policy dialogues, and a collaborative symposium.
Objectives: This study aimed to document the phased process of developing, implementing, and monitoring the IKT approach and to assess the appropriateness of the exploration, preparation, implementation, and sustainment (EPIS) framework used in implementation science to map this process.
Methods: The IKT approach was analyzed and monitored in terms of its evolution of stakeholder relationships and outcomes. IKT implementation, context, processes, and research experiences were analyzed using document analysis of internal IKT meeting minutes and notes, stakeholder matrices, and engagement strategies and plotted against the 4 phases of the EPIS framework using a framework analysis approach. Results were analyzed and discussed in a series of online iterations until consensus was reached.
Results: The mapping exercise revealed an IKT approach that was more iterative, dynamic, and engaging than initially thought. Several constructs remained important and stable across EPIS phases (funding, leadership, champions, personal networks, policy environment, and boundary spanners), whereas other constructs (innovations) constantly evolved and adapted to the changing inner and outer context. Most results were plotted during the implementation phase of the EPIS framework. Specific individuals served as bridging factors and interlinkages played a key role in the success of the strategy and implementation effectiveness, thereby helping to achieve the goal of enhanced National Coverage Determination policy and practice.
Conclusions: Using the EPIS framework to interrogate, reflect on, and document CEBHA+ IKT experiences proved extremely relevant and useful. Bridging IKT with an implementation science framework can guide the development and planning of similar interventions and strategies.
Objectives: This study aimed to document the phased process of developing, implementing, and monitoring the IKT approach and to assess the appropriateness of the exploration, preparation, implementation, and sustainment (EPIS) framework used in implementation science to map this process.
Methods: The IKT approach was analyzed and monitored in terms of its evolution of stakeholder relationships and outcomes. IKT implementation, context, processes, and research experiences were analyzed using document analysis of internal IKT meeting minutes and notes, stakeholder matrices, and engagement strategies and plotted against the 4 phases of the EPIS framework using a framework analysis approach. Results were analyzed and discussed in a series of online iterations until consensus was reached.
Results: The mapping exercise revealed an IKT approach that was more iterative, dynamic, and engaging than initially thought. Several constructs remained important and stable across EPIS phases (funding, leadership, champions, personal networks, policy environment, and boundary spanners), whereas other constructs (innovations) constantly evolved and adapted to the changing inner and outer context. Most results were plotted during the implementation phase of the EPIS framework. Specific individuals served as bridging factors and interlinkages played a key role in the success of the strategy and implementation effectiveness, thereby helping to achieve the goal of enhanced National Coverage Determination policy and practice.
Conclusions: Using the EPIS framework to interrogate, reflect on, and document CEBHA+ IKT experiences proved extremely relevant and useful. Bridging IKT with an implementation science framework can guide the development and planning of similar interventions and strategies.