The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities
Abstract Background In examining an initiative to develop and implement new cancer diagnostic pathways in two English localities, this paper evaluates ‘what works’ and examines the role of researchers in facilitating knowledge translation amongst teams of local clinicians and policy-makers. Methods...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2017-12-01
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| Series: | Health Research Policy and Systems |
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| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-017-0267-8 |
| _version_ | 1819229950102732800 |
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| author | Jon Banks Lesley Wye Nicola Hall James Rooney Fiona M. Walter Willie Hamilton Ardiana Gjini Greg Rubin |
| author_facet | Jon Banks Lesley Wye Nicola Hall James Rooney Fiona M. Walter Willie Hamilton Ardiana Gjini Greg Rubin |
| author_sort | Jon Banks |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In examining an initiative to develop and implement new cancer diagnostic pathways in two English localities, this paper evaluates ‘what works’ and examines the role of researchers in facilitating knowledge translation amongst teams of local clinicians and policy-makers. Methods Using realist evaluation with a mixed methods case study approach, we conducted documentary analysis of meeting minutes and pathway iterations to map pathway development. We interviewed 14 participants to identify the contexts, mechanisms and outcomes (CMOs) that led to successful pathway development and implementation. Interviews were analysed thematically and four CMO configurations were developed. Results One site produced three fully implemented pathways, while the other produced two that were partly implemented. In explaining the differences, we found that a respected, independent, well-connected leader modelling partnership working and who facilitates a local, stable group that agree about the legitimacy of the data and project (context) can empower local teams to become sufficiently autonomous (mechanism) to develop and implement research-based pathways (outcome). Although both teams designed relevant, research-based cancer pathways, in the site where the pathways were successfully implemented the research team merely assisted, while, in the other, the research team drove the initiative. Conclusion Based on our study findings, local stakeholders can apply local and research knowledge to develop and implement research-based pathways. However, success will depend on how academics empower local teams to create autonomy. Crucially, after re-packaging and translating research for local circumstances, identifying fertile environments with the right elements for implementation and developing collaborative relationships with local leaders, academics must step back. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-23T11:21:19Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-140a96f120aa4a13ab0c7e9d7844b238 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1478-4505 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-23T11:21:19Z |
| publishDate | 2017-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Health Research Policy and Systems |
| spelling | doaj.art-140a96f120aa4a13ab0c7e9d7844b2382022-12-21T17:49:03ZengBMCHealth Research Policy and Systems1478-45052017-12-0115111110.1186/s12961-017-0267-8The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localitiesJon Banks0Lesley Wye1Nicola Hall2James Rooney3Fiona M. Walter4Willie Hamilton5Ardiana Gjini6Greg Rubin7National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLARHC West), University Hospitals Bristol NHS TrustCentre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of BristolUniversity of Sunderland, Faculty of Health Sciences and WellbeingNHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support UnitDepartment of Public Health and Primary Care, Primary Care Unit, University of CambridgeUniversity of Exeter, Medical SchoolPublic Health England/NHS EnglandWolfson Research Institute, Durham UniversityAbstract Background In examining an initiative to develop and implement new cancer diagnostic pathways in two English localities, this paper evaluates ‘what works’ and examines the role of researchers in facilitating knowledge translation amongst teams of local clinicians and policy-makers. Methods Using realist evaluation with a mixed methods case study approach, we conducted documentary analysis of meeting minutes and pathway iterations to map pathway development. We interviewed 14 participants to identify the contexts, mechanisms and outcomes (CMOs) that led to successful pathway development and implementation. Interviews were analysed thematically and four CMO configurations were developed. Results One site produced three fully implemented pathways, while the other produced two that were partly implemented. In explaining the differences, we found that a respected, independent, well-connected leader modelling partnership working and who facilitates a local, stable group that agree about the legitimacy of the data and project (context) can empower local teams to become sufficiently autonomous (mechanism) to develop and implement research-based pathways (outcome). Although both teams designed relevant, research-based cancer pathways, in the site where the pathways were successfully implemented the research team merely assisted, while, in the other, the research team drove the initiative. Conclusion Based on our study findings, local stakeholders can apply local and research knowledge to develop and implement research-based pathways. However, success will depend on how academics empower local teams to create autonomy. Crucially, after re-packaging and translating research for local circumstances, identifying fertile environments with the right elements for implementation and developing collaborative relationships with local leaders, academics must step back.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-017-0267-8Knowledge translationRealist evaluationQualitative researchDiagnostic pathways for cancer |
| spellingShingle | Jon Banks Lesley Wye Nicola Hall James Rooney Fiona M. Walter Willie Hamilton Ardiana Gjini Greg Rubin The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities Health Research Policy and Systems Knowledge translation Realist evaluation Qualitative research Diagnostic pathways for cancer |
| title | The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities |
| title_full | The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities |
| title_fullStr | The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities |
| title_full_unstemmed | The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities |
| title_short | The researchers’ role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities |
| title_sort | researchers role in knowledge translation a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two united kingdom localities |
| topic | Knowledge translation Realist evaluation Qualitative research Diagnostic pathways for cancer |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-017-0267-8 |
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