Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation
Abstract Background Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) flows from the premise that knowledge co-produced with decision-makers is more likely to inform subsequent decisions. However, evaluations of manager/policy-maker-focused IKT often concentrate on intermediate outcomes, stopping short of asse...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2018-11-01
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| Series: | Health Research Policy and Systems |
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| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-018-0383-0 |
| _version_ | 1818041541675974656 |
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| author | Sara A. Kreindler |
| author_facet | Sara A. Kreindler |
| author_sort | Sara A. Kreindler |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) flows from the premise that knowledge co-produced with decision-makers is more likely to inform subsequent decisions. However, evaluations of manager/policy-maker-focused IKT often concentrate on intermediate outcomes, stopping short of assessing whether research findings have contributed to identifiable organisational action. Such hesitancy may reflect the difficulty of tracing the causes of this distal, multifactorial outcome. This paper elucidates how an approach based on realistic evaluation could advance the field. Main Text Realistic evaluation views outcomes as a joint product of intervention mechanisms and context. Through identification of context–mechanism–outcome configurations, it enables the systematic testing and refinement of ‘mid-range theory’ applicable to diverse interventions that share a similar underlying logic of action. The ‘context-sensitive causal chain’ diagram, a tool adapted from the broader theory-based evaluation literature, offers a useful means of visualising the posited chain from activities to outcomes via mechanisms, and the context factors that facilitate or disrupt each linkage (e.g. activity–mechanism, mechanism–outcome). Drawing on relevant literature, this paper proposes a context-sensitive causal chain by which IKT may generate instrumental use of research findings (i.e. direct use to make a concrete decision) and identifies an existing tool to assess this outcome, then adapts the chain to describe a more subtle, indirect pathway of influence. Key mechanisms include capacity- and relationship-building among researchers and decision-makers, changes in the (perceived) credibility and usability of findings, changes in decision-makers’ beliefs and attitudes, and incorporation of new knowledge in an actual decision. Project-specific context factors may impinge upon each linkage; equally important is the organisation’s absorptive capacity, namely its overall ability to acquire, assimilate and apply knowledge. Given a sufficiently poor decision-making environment, even well-implemented IKT that triggers important mechanisms may fall short of its desired outcomes. Further research may identify additional mechanisms and context factors. Conclusion By investigating ‘what it is about an intervention that works, for whom, under what conditions’, realistic evaluation addresses questions of causality head-on without sacrificing complexity. A realist approach could contribute greatly to our ability to assess – and, ultimately, to increase – the value of IKT. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-10T08:32:04Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-0ba479e55ff94e239da0ce95bd643266 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1478-4505 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-10T08:32:04Z |
| publishDate | 2018-11-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Health Research Policy and Systems |
| spelling | doaj.art-0ba479e55ff94e239da0ce95bd6432662022-12-22T01:56:04ZengBMCHealth Research Policy and Systems1478-45052018-11-0116111010.1186/s12961-018-0383-0Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translationSara A. Kreindler0Department of Community Health Sciences, University of ManitobaAbstract Background Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) flows from the premise that knowledge co-produced with decision-makers is more likely to inform subsequent decisions. However, evaluations of manager/policy-maker-focused IKT often concentrate on intermediate outcomes, stopping short of assessing whether research findings have contributed to identifiable organisational action. Such hesitancy may reflect the difficulty of tracing the causes of this distal, multifactorial outcome. This paper elucidates how an approach based on realistic evaluation could advance the field. Main Text Realistic evaluation views outcomes as a joint product of intervention mechanisms and context. Through identification of context–mechanism–outcome configurations, it enables the systematic testing and refinement of ‘mid-range theory’ applicable to diverse interventions that share a similar underlying logic of action. The ‘context-sensitive causal chain’ diagram, a tool adapted from the broader theory-based evaluation literature, offers a useful means of visualising the posited chain from activities to outcomes via mechanisms, and the context factors that facilitate or disrupt each linkage (e.g. activity–mechanism, mechanism–outcome). Drawing on relevant literature, this paper proposes a context-sensitive causal chain by which IKT may generate instrumental use of research findings (i.e. direct use to make a concrete decision) and identifies an existing tool to assess this outcome, then adapts the chain to describe a more subtle, indirect pathway of influence. Key mechanisms include capacity- and relationship-building among researchers and decision-makers, changes in the (perceived) credibility and usability of findings, changes in decision-makers’ beliefs and attitudes, and incorporation of new knowledge in an actual decision. Project-specific context factors may impinge upon each linkage; equally important is the organisation’s absorptive capacity, namely its overall ability to acquire, assimilate and apply knowledge. Given a sufficiently poor decision-making environment, even well-implemented IKT that triggers important mechanisms may fall short of its desired outcomes. Further research may identify additional mechanisms and context factors. Conclusion By investigating ‘what it is about an intervention that works, for whom, under what conditions’, realistic evaluation addresses questions of causality head-on without sacrificing complexity. A realist approach could contribute greatly to our ability to assess – and, ultimately, to increase – the value of IKT.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-018-0383-0Knowledge translationRealistic evaluationEvidence-informed decision-makingResearch methods |
| spellingShingle | Sara A. Kreindler Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation Health Research Policy and Systems Knowledge translation Realistic evaluation Evidence-informed decision-making Research methods |
| title | Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation |
| title_full | Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation |
| title_fullStr | Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation |
| title_short | Advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation |
| title_sort | advancing the evaluation of integrated knowledge translation |
| topic | Knowledge translation Realistic evaluation Evidence-informed decision-making Research methods |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-018-0383-0 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT saraakreindler advancingtheevaluationofintegratedknowledgetranslation |