One of the most important phases of research is knowledge translation, which is about all the steps taken to create awareness of research activities and findings so they can be put into practice by decision-makers, professionals, and the public.
Knowledge translation can be viewed as a mechanism for change. If research information can be successfully delivered to groups of people (target audiences) who can use it as new knowledge, the result can be a deeper understanding of a subject or the discovery of how to do something better.
In the world of research there exists a variety of different knowledge translation frameworks that contain several steps and strategies. For simplicity-sake, here are four broad stroke steps of knowledge translation.
In this blog post, the dissemination step of knowledge translation is focused on using examples from the BC COVAXHIV Study. The two aims of the BC COVAXHIV Study were:
- To compare the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines among PLWH to people who are HIV-negative.
- To estimate COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness among PLWH compared with people who are HIV-negative.
Here are three dissemination examples along with their format, communication channel, and strengths.
PAN Presents Webinar
The PAN Presents series connects PAN member organizations with provincial Health Authority representatives, provincial and federal funding organizations, and representatives from governmental ministries. A non-researcher community member had the opportunity to be on the BC COVAXVHIV Study team and took an interest in helping disseminate the study information to the PAN network. Researchers from the study were also present at the webinar to answer questions. Available on-demand: “Do vaccines reduce the harm of COVID-19 for people living with HIV and people who inject drugs in BC?”
Format – Recorded webinar presentation
Communication Channel – Provincially-focused network of member & ally organizations (PAN)
Strengths:
- Information can be tailored to suit a target audience
- Can include real-time interactive elements such as Q&A and discussion to increase audience engagement
- Can service as a future learning resource because of the shareability of recorded media
- Provides an accessible platform to reach an audience beyond academia
IAS 2023, Brisbane Australia
Each year, the International AIDS Society (IAS) brings together global experts to educate and advocate for scientific progress against HIV. Since its inception in 1988, IAS has grown to be the world’s largest association of HIV professionals with over 15,000 members from over 170 countries.
IAS 2023 took place from July 23 to 26. Joseph Puyat, a researcher from the BC COVAXHIV study team, had the opportunity to share study’s findings at a session titled, “Colliding epidemics: Prevention of HIV and co-infections.”
Joseph’s presentation pointed out the possible need for flexible and adaptable COVID vaccination guidelines among people who inject drugs and people living with HIV who have faster waning of vaccine effectiveness (in a range of uncertainty) and may require more frequent boosters.
Format – Oral presentation
Communication Channel – International conference
Strengths:
- Opportunities for networking with researchers, professionals, and community members
- Good potential to attract an audience who sees potential in utilizing the information
- Enhances visibility within the academic community with potential for collaboration or partnership
Associated Publications:
- International Journal of Infectious Diseases, October 2023 – Risk of COVID-19 hospitalization in people living with HIV and HIV-negative individuals and the role of COVID-19 vaccination: A retrospective cohort study.
Puyat JH, Fowokan A, Wilton J, Janjua NZ, Wong J, Grennan T, Chambers C, Kroch A, Costiniuk CT, Cooper CL, Lauscher D, Strong M, Burchell AN, Anis AH, Samji H; COVAXHIV Study Team.
- International Journal of Infectious Diseases, February 2023 Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in people living with HIV in British Columbia and comparisons with a matched HIV-negative cohort: a test-negative design.
Fowokan A, Samji H, Puyat JH, Janjua NZ, Wilton J, Wong J, Grennan T, Chambers C, Kroch A, Costiniuk CT, Cooper CL, Burchell AN, Anis A; COVAXHIV study team.
- Journal of the International AIDS Society, October 2023 – COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by HIV status and history of injection drug use: a test-negative analysis.
Puyat JH, Wilton J, Fowokan A, Janjua NZ, Wong J, Grennan T, Chambers C, Kroch A, Costiniuk CT, Cooper CL, Lauscher D, Strong M, Burchell AN, Anis A, Samji H; COVAXHIV Study Team.
Format – Published research papers
Communication Channel – Print and online journals
Strengths:
- Audience can engage at their own pace
- Peer researcher review enhances credibility
- Contribution to academic and scientific literature
By using a variety of formats and communication channels in disseminating research information, there is a greater chance the information will reach an audience who will adopt and apply the information as new knowledge. The more variety of audience that research can connect with and facilitate understanding, the more opportunities there will be for implementing change.
Questions? Get in touch:
Monte Strong, Research and Evaluation Assistant: monte [at] paninbc.ca