NDLI: Outcomes of an integrated knowledge translation approach in five African countries: a mixed-methods comparative case study

Content Provider	Springer Nature : BioMed Central
Author	Sell, Kerstin Rehfuess, Eva Osuret, Jimmy Bayiga-Zziwa, Esther Geremew, Bezinash Pfadenhauer, Lisa
Abstract	Background Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) aims to enhance evidence-informed decision-making in public health and healthcare by establishing continuous relationships between researchers and knowledge users, in particular decision-makers. The Collaboration for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) undertook research on noncommunicable diseases in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda. Alongside the research activities, we implemented an IKT approach, which entailed training and the development and implementation of site-specific IKT strategies. We evaluated these strategies according to a predefined programme theory. Methods Drawing on our published protocol ( https://rdcu.be/dyfBP ), we interviewed and surveyed CEBHA+ researchers and their decision-making counterparts during two project stages (3/2020–2/2021; 9/2022–5/2023) and collected IKT-related documents. Transcripts and documents were analysed using qualitative content analysis and surveys were analysed descriptively, with subsequent integration, cross-case analysis and revision of the programme theory. Results A total of 36 researchers and 19 decision-makers participated in surveys, focus groups and/or interviews, and we collected 92 documents. Relationship building, capacity building and collaborative research were the most proximal intervention outcomes: CEBHA+ researchers and their counterparts built mutual appreciation and partnerships, accessed contacts and networks, and expanded skills in conducting and using research and in IKT. The level of trust between partners varied. Intermediate outcomes were changes in attitudes and knowledge; beyond the conceptualization in our initial programme theory, researchers substantially increased their understanding of the decision-making context and developed a vision for “research impact”. While it was challenging to evaluate distal outcomes, the IKT approach was linked to the production of research perceived as addressing local priorities and being highly applicable and contextualized, and some consideration of evidence among decision-makers. Unintended effects included high opportunity costs associated with undertaking IKT. An unanticipated outcome was the heightened interest of the research funder in policy engagement. Our updated programme theory constitutes a low-level theory for IKT. Conclusions Whilst this study faced many challenges common to the evaluation of knowledge translation interventions, it presents rich, theory-informed insights into IKT outcomes. These are based on documented IKT activities and participants’ views, particularly in-depth insights of researchers’ experiences with implementing the CEBHA+ IKT approach.
Related Links	https://health-policy-systems.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12961-024-01256-x.pdf
Ending Page	21
Page Count	21
Starting Page	1
File Format	HTM / HTML
ISSN	14784505
DOI	10.1186/s12961-024-01256-x
Journal	Health Research Policy and Systems
Issue Number	1
Volume Number	22
Language	English
Publisher	BioMed Central
Publisher Date	2024-12-10
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Health Administration R & D Technology Policy Medicine Public Health Health Services Research Health Policy Integrated knowledge translation Evaluation Implementation Noncommunicable diseases Uganda Rwanda Malawi South Africa Ethiopia R & D/Technology Policy Medicine/Public Health
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Health Policy
Journal Impact Factor	3.6/2023
5-Year Journal Impact Factor	4.3/2023

Sl.	Authority	Responsibilities	Communication Details
1	Ministry of Education (GoI), Department of Higher Education	Sanctioning Authority	https://www.education.gov.in/ict-initiatives
2	Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	Host Institute of the Project: The host institute of the project is responsible for providing infrastructure support and hosting the project	https://www.iitkgp.ac.in
3	National Digital Library of India Office, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	The administrative and infrastructural headquarters of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in
4	Project PI / Joint PI	Principal Investigator and Joint Principal Investigators of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in Prof. Saswat Chakrabarti will be added soon
5	Website/Portal (Helpdesk)	Queries regarding NDLI and its services	support@ndl.gov.in
6	Contents and Copyright Issues	Queries related to content curation and copyright issues	content@ndl.gov.in
7	National Digital Library of India Club (NDLI Club)	Queries related to NDLI Club formation, support, user awareness program, seminar/symposium, collaboration, social media, promotion, and outreach	clubsupport@ndl.gov.in
8	Digital Preservation Centre (DPC)	Assistance with digitizing and archiving copyright-free printed books	dpc@ndl.gov.in
9	IDR Setup or Support	Queries related to establishment and support of Institutional Digital Repository (IDR) and IDR workshops	idr@ndl.gov.in

Developing, implementing, and monitoring tailored strategies for integrated knowledge translation in five sub-Saharan African countries

Integrated knowledge translation to advance noncommunicable disease policy and practice in South Africa: application of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework

Mixed method evaluation of the CEBHA+ integrated knowledge translation approach: a protocol

Building a knowledge translation platform in Malawi to support evidence-informed health policy

Evidence map of knowledge translation strategies, outcomes, facilitators and barriers in African health systems

Integrated knowledge translation in population health intervention research: a case study of implementation and outcomes from a school-based project

The value of hackathons in integrated knowledge translation (iKT) research: Waterlupus

A mixed methods examination of knowledge brokers and their use of theoretical frameworks and evaluative practices

Development of a framework to improve the utilisation of malaria research for policy development in Malawi

Outcomes of an integrated knowledge translation approach in five African countries: a mixed-methods comparative case study

Similar Documents

Developing, implementing, and monitoring tailored strategies for integrated knowledge translation in five sub-Saharan African countries

Integrated knowledge translation to advance noncommunicable disease policy and practice in South Africa: application of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework

Mixed method evaluation of the CEBHA+ integrated knowledge translation approach: a protocol

Building a knowledge translation platform in Malawi to support evidence-informed health policy

Evidence map of knowledge translation strategies, outcomes, facilitators and barriers in African health systems

Integrated knowledge translation in population health intervention research: a case study of implementation and outcomes from a school-based project

The value of hackathons in integrated knowledge translation (iKT) research: Waterlupus

A mixed methods examination of knowledge brokers and their use of theoretical frameworks and evaluative practices

Development of a framework to improve the utilisation of malaria research for policy development in Malawi

Outcomes of an integrated knowledge translation approach in five African countries: a mixed-methods comparative case study