During the past year, our efforts in the project area of sharing knowledge have largely been directed towards our knowledge translation processes.

That is, we have been working to clarify and develop the ways in which we engage interested contributors at every step in the work we produce, or in which we participate. This will help us develop resources that are better-informed before, during and after their production, with more connected communities coalescing around different topics.

If you are interested in discussing the knowledge translation process that we have developed, and the sources from which it has been adapted, please contact Florence Morestin.

Resources
We previously identified four papers that focus on obstacles and facilitating factors for the use of research evidence by policy makers, and we are planning to produce a short, accessible summary of each. During 2012, we will plan to publish summaries of these documents by releasing one every 2-3 months, starting in April.

Innvaer et al. (2002) Health policy-makers' perceptions of their use of evidence: a systematic review. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, October 2002, vol. 7, no.4.  
Abstract on the site: jhsrp.rsmjournals.com.

Armstrong, R., et al. (2007) The nature of evidence resources and knowledge translation for health promotion practitioners. Health Promotion International (2007) 22 (3).
Abstract on the site: heapro.oxfordjournals.org. 

Lavis, J. (2002) Ideas At The Margin Or Marginalized Ideas? Nonmedical Determinants of Health In Canada. Health Affairs March 2002, vol. 21, no. 2.  
Abstract on the site: healthaffairs.org. 

Amara, N., et al., (2001) New Evidence on Instrumental,Conceptual, and Symbolic Utilization of University Research in Government Agencies. Science Communication, September 2004, vol. 26 no. 1. 
Abstract on the site: Sagepub.com.

We recently added 2 other resources to this list:

Mitton et al. (2007). Knowledge Transfer and Exchange: Review and Synthesis of the Literature. Milbank Quarterly, 85:4.
Abstract on the site: milbank.org.

Haynes, Gillespie et al. (2011). Galvanizers, Guides, Champions, and Shields: The Many Ways That Policymakers Use Public Health Researchers. Milbank Quarterly, 89:4.
Abstract on the site: milbank.org. 

We will be adding to this list periodically with other papers focusing on the use or uptake of evidence in the policy sector to which we might give similar attention.

If you have a suggestion for a paper that captures something important in this area, please send us a note ncchpp@inspq.qc.ca.



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© iStockphoto.com/ Robert Creigh