Browsing by Author "Kuchenmüller, Tanja"

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    Assessing the impact of knowledge communication and dissemination strategies targeted at health policy-makers and managers : an overview of systematic reviews
    (2021) Chapman, Evelina; Pantoja Calderón, Tomás; Kuchenmüller, Tanja; Sharma, Tarang; Terry, Robert F.
    Background: The use of research evidence as an input for health decision-making is a need for most health systems. There are a number of approaches for promoting evidence use at diferent levels of the health system, but knowledge of their efectiveness is still scarce. The objective of this overview was to evaluate the efectiveness of knowledge communication and dissemination interventions, strategies or approaches targeting policy-makers and health managers. Methods: This overview of systematic reviews used systematic review methods and was conducted according to a predefned and published protocol. A comprehensive electronic search of 13 databases and a manual search in four websites were conducted. Both published and unpublished reviews in English, Spanish or Portuguese were included. A narrative synthesis was undertaken, and efectiveness statements were developed, informed by the evidence identifed. Results: We included 27 systematic reviews. Three studies included only a communication strategy, while eight only included dissemination strategies, and the remaining 16 included both. None of the selected reviews provided “sufcient evidence” for any of the strategies, while four provided some evidence for three communication and four dissemination strategies. Regarding communication strategies, the use of tailored and targeted messages seemed to successfully lead to changes in the decision-making practices of the target audience. Regarding dissemination strategies, interventions that aimed at improving only the reach of evidence did not have an impact on its use in decisions, while interventions aimed at enhancing users’ ability to use and apply evidence had a positive efect on decisionmaking processes. Multifaceted dissemination strategies also demonstrated the potential for changing knowledge about evidence but not its implementation in decision-making. Conclusions: There is limited evidence regarding the efectiveness of interventions targeting health managers and policy-makers, as well as the mechanisms required for achieving impact. More studies are needed that are informed by theoretical frameworks or specifc tools and using robust methods, standardized outcome measures and clear descriptions of the interventions. We found that passive communication increased access to evidence but had no effect on uptake. Some evidence indicated that the use of targeted messages, knowledge-brokering and user training was effective in promoting evidence use by managers and policy-makers.
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    Policy-makers’ views on translating burden of disease estimates in health policies: bridging the gap through data visualization
    (2021) Lundkvist, Amelia; Pantoja Calderón, Tomás; El-Khatib, Ziad; Kalra, Nikhila; Leach-Kemon, Katherine; Gapp, Christian; Kuchenmüller, Tanja
    Abstract Background Knowledge Translation (KT) and data visualization play a vital role in the dissemination of data and information to improve healthcare systems. A better understanding of KT and its utility requires examining its processes, and how these interact with available data tools and platforms and various users. In this context, the aim of this paper is to understand how relevant users interact with data visualization tools, in particular Global Burden of Disease (GBD) visualizations, while also examining KT processes related to data visualization. Methods A qualitative case-study consisting of semi-structured interviews with eight policy officers. Interviewees were selected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) from three countries: Canada, Kenya and New Zealand. Data were analyzed through framework coding, using qualitative analysis software. Results Policy officers’ responses indicated that data can prompt action by engaging users, and effective delivery and translation of data was enhanced by data visualization tools. GBD was considered valuable for use in policy (e.g., planning and prioritizing health policy; facilitating accountability; and tracking and monitoring progress and trends over time and between countries). Using GBD and data visualization tools, participants quickly and easily accessed key information and turned it into actionable messages; engaging visuals captured decision-makers’ attention while providing information in a digestible, time-saving manner. However, participants emphasized an overall disconnect between research and public health. Functionality and technical issues, e.g., absence of tool guides and tool complexity, as well as lacking buy-in and awareness of certain tools from those less familiar with GBD, were named as major barriers. In order to address this “know-do” gap, user-friendly knowledge translation tools were stated as crucial, as was the importance of collaboration and leveraging different insights from data generators and users to inform health policy. Conclusions Policy officers aware of KT are willing to utilize data visualization tools as they value them as an engaging and important mechanism to foster the use of GBD data in policy-making. To further facilitate policy officers’ efforts to effectively use GBD data in policy and practice, further research is required into how users perceive and interact with data visualization and other KT tools.