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

Session: 

Oral session: Knowledge translation and communicating evidence (4)

Date: 

Monday 17 September 2018 - 11:20 to 11:40

Location: 

Carrick 1

All authors in correct order:

Elliott S1, Thomson D2, Williams K3, Fernandes R4, Zimmermann G5, Hartling L6
1 Cochrane Child Health, University of Alberta, Canada
2 Knowledge Translation Platform, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, University of Alberta; Cochrane Child Health, Canada
3 School of Pediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Cochrane Child Health, Australia
4 Department of Pediatrics, Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon Academic Center, Lisbon;Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Cochrane Child Health, Portugal
5 Knowledge Translation Platform, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, University of Alberta; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada
6 Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta; Cochrane Child Health, Canada
Presenting author and contact person

Presenting author:

Sarah Elliott

Contact person:

Sarah Elliott
Abstract text
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

Relevance to patients and consumers: 

Cochrane Child Health (CCH) developed a knowledge translation (KT) strategy focused on our key audiences and goals, prioritised according to our current resources. CCH facilitates KT of child-relevant Cochrane evidence to stakeholders (clinicians, patients, families, policy makers). By developing our KT plan, we will build on existing connections with our various audiences to ensure our work is tailored to suit their needs. We also work closely with a parent advisory group, and will be incorporating members’ feedback in the plan’s development. Through this we will ensure our outputs are relevant to parents and other caregivers.