annual report

A Knowledge Translaton Initatve

ACTION
OUR PRIMARY MISSION: to translate public health
research into evidence-based policies and
programs to enhance the health of communites.
A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Copyright 2009 Research Into Action, Institute for Health Policy, The University of Texas School of Public Health.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Execut i ve Summar y
How I t Al l Began
Devel opi ng a New Model
Mappi ng t he Evi dence
Act i ve Bodi es, Act i ve Mi nds
SBI RT Exper t Anal ysi s
Wor l d 2.0
I dent i f yi ng t he Heal t h of Houst on
What Weve Accompl i shed
What We Wi l l Accompl i sh
Soci et al Benet s
Appendi ces
5
8
10
14
17
20
23
26
29
32
35
39
4
Executive Summary
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A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
Execut i ve Summar y
How It All Began Through a gener-
ous gif from the ExxonMobil Foun-
daton, the Insttute for Health Policy
at the University of Texas School of
Public Health was able to formalize a
commitment to its KT eorts via a new
initatve, Research Into Acton (RIA).
This project developed and launched
an innovatve KT model, tested it with
two research projects from the School
of Public Health, and plans to serve as
a catalyst for policy-relevant research
and as a broker for faculty opportuni-
tes to inform current policy debates.
Developing a New Model Much of
the existng literature on KT is spread
widely across dierent disciplines and
ofen lacks explicit directon on how to
conduct successful translatons. The
RIA team reviewed this literature and
idented a set of best practces in
the eld. RIA then developed a unique
model for KT that prescribes dierent
levels of eort and actvity based on
the perceived gaps between research-
er and user. This departure from the
classic model is an advance in the con-
ceptualizaton of the KT process.
Mapping the Evidence To support
KT, a broad array of directly relevant
supportng evidence must be assem-
bled. The RIA team used evidence
mapping to accomplish this. Evi-
dence maps can be created that
display general results and clus-
ters of evidence in a way that best
summarize the ndings. The team
weighs the evidence by mapping
published study results to answer
specic questons about the central
topic under consideraton.
Actve Bodies, Actve Minds One
of the IHPs rst two research proj-
ects was PASS & CATCH, which
draws a correlaton between physi-
cal actvity and improved academic
achievement. Working with the
principal investgator, the RIA team
developed advocacy and presen-
taton materials that explain the
results to public audiences, and
reached out to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control & Preventon (CDC)
for support. The CDC expressed
interest in collaboratng with us in
the natonal distributon of these
results, once the study is published.
SBIRT-Expert Analysis SBIRT is a
program mandated for use in all
level I trauma centers. Doctors and
other medical personnel are re-
quired to screen accident patents
for signs of substance abuse. If the
patents are found to be under the
his Research Into Acton (RIA) annual report summarizes the actvites of the RIA
knowledge translaton (KT) initatve, based in the Insttute for Health Policy at The
University of Texas School of Public Health. It is organized into 10 sectons with
eight appendices. For your convenience, we provide a brief summary.
T
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A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
inuence, medical professionals will either con-
duct a brief interventon or refer them to facilites
where they can receive treatment. RIA focused
on Harris Countys level III and level IV trauma
centers (which are not required to provide SBIRT
services), translatng the existng evidence on pro-
gram eectveness and providing resource links
and optons to assist in the adopton decision.
World 2.0 As the IHP and the RIA team delved
further into KT, it became clear that there was no
central repository for KT informaton on the Inter-
net. With that in mind, the RIA team launched a
second major initatve developing a Web portal
that would be a one-stop-shop for all KT-related
public health informaton.
What Weve Accomplished During its rst full
year of actvity, RIA has:
What We Will Accomplish In
2009, we will be evaluatng our
rst two projects, as well as se-
lectng two new projects for our
second year. RIA also antcipates
the completon of two major
Web initatves by mid-summer
the KT Web portal and the
completely renovated IHP/RIA
Web pages will be unveiled.
These Internet initatves will
substantally raise the public
prole of the IHP and RIA.
Benet to Society Our fore-
most goal is to have eectve KT
become the norm. We hope to
set a standard that is adopted
widely in public health research
and practce. Our translaton
of PASS & CATCH ndings con-
nects us to natonal eorts on
obesity preventon and the
pressing need to address the
obesity epidemic. Likewise, our
eorts promotng the adopton
of SBIRT, a program proven to
reduce injury and substance
abuse, can have an impact on
thousands of lives a year.
Developed the axial model of KT
Developed the three-level project selecton
matrix
Conducted several user surveys to create a
foundaton for current and future research
Conducted its rst two KT projects PASS &
CATCH and SBIRT
Completed the specicaton of a
comprehensive Web-based KT portal
Met its matching requirements for next year
through a gif to the IHP from the Houston
Endowment
7
How It All Began
The Institute for
Health Policy
Knowledge Translation
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A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
How I t Al l Began
With a generous gif from the ExxonMo-
bil Foundaton, the IHP was able to ex-
tend its commitment to KT with a new
program initatve called Research Into
Acton (RIA). The RIAs primary mission
is to translate public health research into
evidence-based policies and programs to
enhance the health of communites.
This concept of translatng research into
useful acton can be traced to the
agricultural extension services at the be-
ginning of the 20th century. Applying this
concept to medicine, nursing, and pub-
lic health is relatvely new in the United
States, but it is already an established
practce in Europe and Canada.
The IHP is devoted to raising awareness
of KT in the United States, and using it to
bring research from the pages of peer-
reviewed journals to those who can use
and benet from it the most.
At the IHP, the practce of KT is carried
out through the Research Into Acton
(RIA) initatve. Using a KT model de-
signed by the sta, the RIA is dedicated to
sharing informaton and best practces to
advance the eld of KT. Typically
that is accomplished by choos-
ing specic research projects and
working with the principal invest-
gators to share their ndings with
targeted populatons.
The RIA conducts systematc re-
views and translatons of scientc
content and disseminaton of re-
sults through a number of com-
municaton channels, including
the media, scholarly artcles, and
presentatons at conferences.
The IHP also plans to serve as a
catalyst for policy-relevant re-
search and brokering opportuni-
tes for faculty to apply their ex-
pertse to inform current policy
debates. In additon, specialized
training and educaton in policy
analysis, design and development
is currently being oered as a part
of the graduate-level curriculum
here at the UT School of Public
Health.

he Insttute for Health Policy (IHP) was established at The University of Texas
School of Public Health to assist researchers throughout the UT Health Science
Center in translatng their technical ndings into usable advice for program
administrators and practcal recommendatons for health policymakers. This
practce is commonly referred to as knowledge translaton, and is ofen
referred to as simply KT.
T
9
RIAs Latest Thinking
Developing a New
Model
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uch of the existng literature on KT is
spread widely across dierent disciplines
and ofen lacks explicit directon on how
to conduct successful translatons. The RIA
team reviewed this literature and idented
a set of best practces in the eld.
Success appears to depend upon what in-
formaton gets exchanged, when, by whom,
and through what kind of media.
The RIA teams task was to think beyond
the classic KT model, which is based on a
simple communicaton cycle with feed-
back. Many groups have devised KT mod-
els which describe theoretcal processes, or
which atempt to describe communicaton
processes afer the fact.
RIA developed a unique model for KT that
allows for varying degrees of readiness on
the part of the user, or gaps between the
user and researcher of varying size and
complexity.
The RIA model prescribes dierent levels of
eort and actvity based on the perceived
gaps. This departure from the classic model
represents an advance in the conceptual-
izaton of the KT process. An abstract de-
tailing this model has been submited to
the third Natonal Conference on Health
Communicatons, Marketng and Media,
sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Preventon. We also partci-
pated in last years conference, presentng
material from our audit of KT Web sites and
user survey.
The graphic on the opposite page illustrates
the RIA teams current thinking on this pro-
actve model of KT.
As demonstrated in the models spectrum
of encounters, researchers and end-users
(be they policy-makers, administrators,
health professionals or the general public),
depending on their placement on the spec-
trum, will have varying degrees of conver-
gence on the topic being disseminated. This
represents RIAs latest thinking, and contn-
ues to be rened.
Devel opi ng a New Model
M
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P-cols
Advocates
Decision
Makers
Service
Providers
P-cols Advocates
Decision
Makers
Service
Providers
P-cols
Linkage Models
Decision
Makers
Decision
Makers
P-cols
Service
Providers
Service
Providers
P-cols
Exchange Models
Promotion Models
P-cols
Decision
Makers
Service
Providers
(KT Circuit)
Dissemination Models
E
1
E
2
t
1
t
2
L
1
L
2
Brokerage Models
P-cols
Decision
Makers
Service
Providers
Advocates
The Axial Model for KT Research
and Development
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Analysis
Review all material
Meet with principal investigator
and staf
Second round of targeted
evidence mapping
Translation
Develop broad expertise on
potential users
Translate scientifc fndings into
actionable messages
Frame key messages to meet
users needs
Specify Relevant Forms of
Communication
Inventory targets and tactics
Match tactics to a media plan
Review Model Elements
Evaluate ef cacy of initial
analysis, translation, and
tactic selection
Execution
Create timeline
Set budget
Products/Reporting
Develop communications
materials
Direct user interaction
Interactions with media
Interactions with intermediary
organizations
Evaluation
Design evaluation measures
Track implementation and user
uptake
Final report
To simplify the process of planning for KT eorts,
RIA sta created a comprehensive list of projects
and actvites derived from the best practces
compiled from all sources. This comprehensive
list is intended to functon like a clinical algo-
rithm, allowing sta to plug in the appropriate
actvites based on the scenario idented by the
model. This chart illustrates a sampling of the ac-
tvites and the categories they fall under.
13
Mapping the Evidence
A Systematic Approach
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he RIA project began in the fall of 2007.
At the outset, sta produced a mission
statement and logo, a revised logic model,
and a set of operatonal objectves to guide
implementaton.
Sta also created a systematc screening
process to guide the choice of research
ndings for translaton. The projects
focus was on research completed at the UT
School of Public Health in the prior three
years.
An outline of our screening process is
shown in Appendix A.
To accomplish the selecton task, an exhaus-
tve inventory of studies was completed, a
custom database to organize the applica-
ton of the screening criteria was designed,
and a weight-of-evidence assessment from
the published scientc literature was com-
pleted on the nal set of candidate studies.
The assessors used 15 criteria to screen
144 research studies over the course of
three rounds. From this, a set of 10 candi-
date studies were idented. Afer further
investgaton, these 10 were then narrowed
down to three. The sta then conducted
a full weight-of-evidence assessment on
these three studies.
RIA sta found that no single study had signicant enough re-
sults to stand alone. This is frequently the case; progress in pub-
lic health is made in small increments. For the purpose of creat-
ing a persuasive case for KT, a broad array of directly relevant
supportng evidence must be assembled. How is this done? The
IHP uses a tool called evidence mapping.
An example of our evidence mapping appears in Appendix B.
Evidence maps can be created that display general results and
clusters of evidence in a way that best summarize the nd-
ings. Evidence mapping begins with a search of the research
literature for previous systematc reviews. If the literature has
already been synthesized in a systematc review, it is then up-
dated with more recent research or search terms are modied
to widen the breadth of review.
Next, the team weighs the evidence by mapping published study
results to answer specic questons, for example:
Descriptive questions What clinical contexts have been
investigated? What are the diferent types of interventions
studied in the population of interest?
Outcome questions How efective was the interven-
tion? What is the efectiveness of intervention on special
populations?
PICO Principle Population (who), Intervention (what),
Compared to, and Outcome (consequences/efective-
ness). For example, in [X] population, did [Y] treatment,
compared to none or little [W] treatment, reduce/
increase [Z] outcome?
Mappi ng t he Evi dence
T
Adopted from Evidence Mapping Systematc Review, and Meta-
Analysis, Patricia Mullen, Dr. PH.
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Next, the group determines selecton criteria
(both inclusion and exclusion) for studies; con-
ducts a document search; and develops a strat-
egy for capturing relevant study characteristcs,
such as:
Search strategy
Report identifcation author, title, jour-
nal or other pub. type, publication date
Population
Program or treatment
Setting, time
Study design/methods/quality rating
Outcome measures
Applicability to diferent populations
and settings
An example of our project selecton matrix can
be found in Appendix B.
Using this systematc approach, the IHP sta is
able to take large amounts of data and turn it
into practcal, useful informaton.
Two of the studies that were subjected to evi-
dence mapping were nally selected for trans-
laton. One was a physical actvity supplement
to the coordinated approach to child health
(CATCH) program, and the other concerned
screening and brief interventon during emer-
gency care.
The next months involved translatng content
into actonable messages, building a network
of collaborators for disseminaton, and engag-
ing policymakers as potental users of these
results.
16
Active Bodies,
Active Minds
Boosting Academic
Achievement
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ne of the IHPs rst two research projects
was PASS & CATCH, which draws a correla-
ton between physical actvity and improved
academic achievement.
Dr. Nancy Murray, the principal investgator,
has gone further than other researchers by
focusing on how teachers can use physical
actvity in the classroom as a teaching aid
and demonstratng the benets of physical
actvity for poorly adaptng students.
The IHP sta, with input from Dr. Murray,
developed a variety of collateral materials
for PASS & CATCH. These were (and are)
used at conferences, public meetngs, and
other gatherings to spread the word about
PASS & CATCH.
As a rst step in the KT eorts on behalf of
the PASS & CATCH pilot project, the IHP de-
veloped and began distributon of an advo-
cacy yer highlightng the positve results of
the PASS & CATCH research.
A copy of the yer is available in Appendix C.
The yer is designed to transmit the rel-
evant research to interested lay people like
teachers, principals, school district adminis-
trators, and parents. It features not only the
PASS & CATCH research, but also related re-
search on the benecial eects of increased
physical actvity in the classroom. This ad-
vocacy yer has already been used several
tmes by Dr. Murray in her presentatons,
and she reports a very positve response.
A revised version of this advocacy yer,
targeted to legislators and policymakers,
is being developed. The revised yer more
strongly emphasizes the cumulatve impact
of research into the benecial eects of
classroom physical actvity, and accentuates
the relatonship between physical actvity
and improved academic performance.
This version of the yer clearly calls for ac-
ton on the part of the intended audience,
in the form of policy and funding changes.
The RIA sta also worked with Dr. Murray to
develop a PowerPoint presentaton suitable
for use at various school district and School
Health Advisory Council meetngs, as well
as other educaton-focused audiences.
Act i ve Bodi es, Act i ve Mi nds
O
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RIA sta has reached out to interested par-
tes at the Centers for Disease Control on
behalf of PASS & CATCH. The CDC would
support implementaton of a natonal dis-
seminaton eort in support of PASS &
CATCH, once the ndings are published.
In additon, the RIA sta is currently com-
pletng a stand-alone PowerPoint presen-
taton that details the correlaton between
physical actvity and academic achievement.
Leading up to the conclusion of the PASS &
CATCH project, the IHP plans to work with
Dr. Murray to develop an evaluaton tool for
the presentaton; schedule more presenta-
tons to groups of decision makers and other
inuental people in school curricula; and
work with her on perfectng her presenta-
ton skills.
The goal is to complete all pending PASS
& CATCH support actvites by June 2009,
contngent on the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Preventons collaboraton in a
natonal media campaign.
The implicatons of successful KT of this re-
search are manifold. Dr. Murrays research
indicates that poorly adaptng children, in
partcular, benet from increased physical
actvity.
Her PASS & CATCH study, and the rapidly ac-
cumulatng supportng evidence, all point to
improved academic, social, classroom man-
agement, and productvity outcomes from
increased physical actvity.
While this KT project focused on academic
outcomes, the results have the side ben-
et of lending further support to the batle
against childhood obesity, which is a bur-
geoning epidemic in the United States.
An example of communicatons material
developed for the disseminaton of PASS &
CATCH ndings appears in Appendix C.
19
SBIRT - Expert Analysis
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SBI RT - Exper t Anal ysi s
he second research project for RIAs inital
year was Screening, Brief Interventon and
Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
SBIRT is a program mandated for use in all
level I trauma centers. Doctors and other
medical personnel are required to screen
accident patents for signs of substance
abuse (level II trauma centers are required
to have a screening component only). If the
patents are found to be under the inu-
ence, the issue is discussed with them and
the medical professionals will either con-
duct a brief interventon or refer them to
facilites where they can receive treatment.
RIA decided to focus its eorts on Houston-
area level III and level IV trauma centers,
which are not required to provide SBIRT
services, to translate the existng evidence
on program eectveness, provide resource
links and optons to assist in the adopton
decision.
RIA, working with an external expert, Dr.
Larry Gentlello, developed a survey for area
trauma centers regarding the barriers to the
adopton of SBIRT. Dr. Gentlello is one of
the leaders in the SBIRT eld.
The survey was administered online and was
completed by either trauma program manag-
ers or coordinators. Nine of the 11 level III and
IV trauma centers in Harris County responded.
The team soon found that the level III and level
IV trauma centers in the Houston area did not
have the comprehensive framework in place to
support the SBIRT initatve, through no fault of
their own. Resources are tght, and as a result
many of the smaller hospitals do not have the
tools necessary to run an eectve SBIRT pro-
gram.
Only three trauma centers reported providing
patents with alcohol/drug abuse counseling.
However, a majority of respondents thought
that between 15-30 percent of their patents
would be positve for alcohol and drug use if
tested, and more than 10 percent would be
re-admited for re-injury in the next ve years.
With most centers admit ng between 500-
3,000 patents annually, 10 percent of patents
would be a large number of re-admitances.
Also, a majority of respondents believed that
alcohol/drug abuse was a signicant burden,
and that their patents would benet from
T
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having an alcohol interventon. Six organi-
zatons were interested in a presentaton
of the eectveness and cost savings of the
SBIRT program, providing the RIA an oppor-
tunity to improve the care provided to pa-
tents in level III and level IV trauma centers
in Houston.
Now that the survey is complete, the data is
being analyzed by IHP personnel and shared
with outside experts in the eld. Using the
informaton gathered in the survey and its
own environmental assessment, RIA sta
will present the results to an upcoming
meetng of the Harris County Regional Advi-
sory Council on Trauma.
The sta will also develop a portolio of
communicatons materials identfying
the most likely obstacles in developing an
SBIRT program and how they can be over-
come basically an expansive toolkit
that will provide these hospitals with the
informaton and strategies necessary to
implement their own SBIRT protocol. This
will be presented to level III and level IV
trauma program managers/coordinators
throughout the Houston area by the end of
April, 2009.
Additonally, the RIA plans to release the
survey results to the media and actvely
pursue media coverage of the issue.
22
World 2.0
Web Site Re-design
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Wor l d 2.0
s the IHP and the RIA team delved further
into knowledge transfer, it became clear
that there was no central repository for KT
informaton no search engine, Web portal,
or comprehensive Web site where KT pro-
fessionals and others could go to nd out
the latest news and informaton, and con-
nect with other KT professionals.
With that in mind, the RIA team launched a
second major initatve developing a Web
portal that would be a one-stop-shop for all
KT public health informaton.
To accomplish this, the team rst conducted
an audit and in-depth assessment of all KT-
related sites using multple keywords and
three dierent search engines.
Next, the team created and conducted a
survey of potental users that would pin-
point what features people are looking for
in a KT Web portal, and how they currently
use the Web to conduct research, establish
networks, and disseminate scholarly and
technical informaton.
An example of the Web audit appears in
Appendix D.
As mentoned earlier, these results were
analyzed and presented at last years CDC
Health Communicatons Conference. Afer
the conference, the IHP sta sent the survey
to hundreds of conference atendees asking
for their input, as well.
The results were striking. More than 70 per-
cent of all respondents indicated that they
use the Internet regularly to track down KT
informaton, but they also indicated dissat-
isfacton with the amount of informaton
available and the ease of locatng it.
A
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The ndings of the user survey appear in
Appendix E.
Using the survey results and the teams own
research, they developed a blueprint for a
comprehensive Web portal dedicated to
knowledge transfer. The IHP envisions the
site as a central repository for all things KT
related. It will include a glossary of terms,
best practces, links to relevant insttutons
and the latest KT artcles and research, a cal-
endar of events, an electronic bibliography,
current KT funding sources, and areas for
user comments.
An outline of the Web portal appears in
Appendix F.
The sta created a request for proposal,
which was sent out to potental vendors.
Bids were submited for consideraton by
six companies interested in developing the
Web portal. These bids are currently under-
going a careful review, as this project will
become a cornerstone of the IHPs contri-
buton to the world of KT. The portal will
launch mid-summer 2009.
At the same tme, the IHP is undertaking a
major redesign of its Web site (www.sph.
uth.tmc.edu/ihp/). A graphic designer
with extensive Web design experience
was hired in March, and she is respon-
sible for designing a site that takes into
account the unique needs of the users.
This user-friendly site, which will be main-
tained in-house, will be implemented
mid-summer 2009.
The RIA is also exploring the new Web 2.0
communicatons technologies. An IHP
Facebook page was established in Febru-
ary, and the use of vehicles such as Twit-
ter are also under consideraton.
The IHP is dedicated to using the power
of the World Wide Web to spread the
word about KT, and to positon itself as a
leader in the eld.
25
Health of Houston
2010 Survey
Identifying the Health
of Houston
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I dent i f yi ng t he Heal t h of Houst on
s a conditon of our ExxonMobil Founda-
ton funding, the IHP has pursued matching
funds from other sources. One signicant
initatve of ours currently being funded
by the Houston Endowment is called the
Health of Houston.
One of the projects under this initatve is
the Health of Houston 2010 survey. This
survey, the rst of its kind in the greater
Houston area, will assess the self-reported
health of Houstonians and provide com-
munity-level estmates of health status and
health care needs.
The survey will support the eorts of health
agencies, service providers, and commu-
nity organizatons with more accurate and
up-to-date health informaton, and provide
specialized analyses, topical reports, and
training in the use of survey informaton.
The IHP sta has been researching the vari-
ous groups and organizatons dedicated to
health in the Houston area, identfying a
network of hundreds of potental users of
the report, and securing their support.
The sta is emphasizing governmental,
community, and stakeholder involvement
in the survey planning, implementaton,
and disseminaton process.
Driving the inital development of the sur-
vey is the queston: What do these orga-
nizatons want to know about the health
needs of the people they serve? Working
directly with the groups to develop the
survey will enable the IHP to custom-de-
sign a survey that will be the most useful
to its audience.
The IHP is using this informaton to de-
velop a comprehensive health needs
survey of the Houston area. Results will
be provided to the organizatons so that
they can use it to apply for grants, target
care based on areas of need, and develop
policy recommendatons.
The Health of Houston 2010 survey will
involve 3,000-4,000 Houston households.
It will queston the members of these
households regarding their access to
health care, their general health, their ex-
periences with chronic diseases, and their
primary health care needs.
A
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Up to this point, health organizatons have had to cobble together informa-
ton from a variety of sources, said Jessica Tullar, Ph.D., an epidemiologist
on the survey team. We want to connect the unknown to the known we
want to provide people with the informaton they need about the health
topics specic to their neighborhoods, something thats never been done
before in a systematc way.
The survey results are expected to be released at the beginning of 2011.
28
What Weve
Accomplished
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What Weve Accompl i shed
uring its rst full year of actvity, RIA has
moved from research, review, and planning,
to the executon of a variety of signicant
projects.
For an overview of the RIA process, see
Appendix G.
First, the team developed the axial model
as a new way of conceptualizing the KT task
and as a contributon to the state of the art.
The axial model describes various poten-
tal scenarios from simple to complex, and
then prescribes appropriate tactcs for ac-
complishing the appropriate KT goals. The
methods (tactcs) are drawn from current
practces in social marketng, public rela-
tons, and advertsing. An exhaustve list
of these methods and their potental targets
was compiled for future eorts, thus reduc-
ing planning tme.
Second, the team introduced a three-level
tool for analyzing the suitability of research
projects for KT the project selecton ma-
trix. This was used to narrow down the more
than 140 eligible research projects from the
UT School of Public Health. Evidence map-
ping could then be applied in a targeted way
to establish the state of the science for each
of the priority areas idented.
To create a foundaton for current and fu-
ture projects, the RIA team conducted three
online surveys. The rst was a survey of KT
professionals on their use of the Internet for
KT research.
A revised version of this survey was con-
ducted with the atendees at the 2008 Cen-
ters for Disease Control (CDC) health mar-
ketng conference, adding several questons
on their use of social networking (Web 2.0).
Finally, a county-wide survey of all level III
and level IV trauma centers idented im-
portant informaton about emergency room
admissions, substance abuse, and the use of
interventons.
As the rst two projects (PASS & CATCH and
SBIRT) moved forward, sta began a broad
outreach program to create strategic link-
ages not only for the two inital projects, but
for future projects as well. Among the more
than 30 organizatons contacted so far are
the CDC, the Canadian Insttutes for Health
Research, and the Southwest Educatonal
Development Laboratory.
For the PASS & CATCH project, RIA created
an advocacy yer and PowerPoint presenta-
ton suitable for lay audiences, and assisted
the principal investgator (PI) in tailoring her
presentaton to lay audiences consistng of
D
30
A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
teachers, principals, school health profes-
sionals, and parent volunteers. Using our
KT model, we idented the PI as a product
champion, and built the KT program around
her uency with the research. We are now
identfying and booking more presentatons
with area independent school districts and
School Health Advisory Councils.
For the SBIRT project, RIA sta is now in the
process of developing a communicatons
portolio that will identfy likely obstacles
to SBIRT implementaton and potental so-
lutons. This is a direct outcome of our sur-
vey of level III and level IV trauma centers,
which pinpointed the issues and obstacles
emergency room directors and trauma
coordinators had with SBIRT.
The RIA project has met its matching re-
quirements for next year via a gif to the
IHP from the Houston Endowment for the
Health of Houston Project.
31
The Future
of the RIA
What We Will
Accomplish
32
A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
he Research Into Acton group antcipates an extremely busy 2009. We will be
wrapping up our two inital research projects, as well as choosing two new projects to
focus on.
To determine what public health topics are currently at the forefront of research, the
sta conducted an audit of dozens of prominent public health organizatons such as
the Centers for Disease Control, the Texas Public Health Associaton, and the Natonal
Insttutes of Health. Based on that research, the group has narrowed down the re-
search paradigm to the following:
The sta is contnuing to evaluate these
topics, and will, within the next several
weeks, identfy two research topics to
focus on in the coming months.
What We Wi l l Accompl i sh
Insurance issues
Environmental health
Obesity prevention initiatives, policies, etc.
Diabetes management
Aging and disability issues
Alcohol abuse and proposals to lower the drinking age
HPV vaccinations
Access to mental health care
Language barriers to accessing health care
The fate and impact of evidence-based guidelines
Meanwhile, the group antcipates the com-
pleton of two major initatves mid-sum-
mer. Both the KT Web portal, the rst of
its kind, and the completely renovated IHP/
RIA Web pages will be unveiled. These two
T
33
A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
projects are the cornerstones of the RIAs
communicatons outreach and represent a
huge amount of tme and eort. Each of
these Internet initatves will substantally
raise the prole of the IHP and RIA, both in
the United States and globally.
34
Societal Benefts
35
A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
Soci et al Benet s
he RIA initatve is built on the assumpton
that the publics health can be improved
with beter KT. This belief, supported by cur-
rent ndings in the KT literature, promotes
the idea that research will improve health
practces and policy decision-making, and
that evidence-based decision-making about
health is superior to current practce.
Through our research and assessments of
KT organizatons, the RIA has idented gaps
between the optmal KT practce and what
is currently being done. The RIA proposes
a beter way of conductng KT and is dedi-
cated to sharing this model through a Web
portal that will also create an environment
for contnued advances in the KT process.
By engaging in KT in public health priority
areas, we are able to address large-scale
problems with evidence-based programs
and policies that have proven eectve. Our
translaton of the PASS & CATCH research
connects us to larger eorts on obesity pre-
venton and the great need to address the
obesity epidemic.
Likewise, our eorts promotng the adop-
ton of SBIRT, a program proven to reduce
injury and substance abuse, can have an
impact on thousands of lives in a single
year.
Our foremost goal is to have eectve KT
become the norm. We hope to set the
standard in public health research and
practce our natons quality of life and
economic future depend on it.
T
Dr. Stephen Linder
Interim Director
RAS E1023
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9494
Oluwafolakemi (Folake) Adedeji
Graduate Assistant
RAS E1003M
[email protected]
Desk: 713/500-9498
Richard (Rick) Austin
Senior Communications Specialist RIA
RAS E1015
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9486
Amy Beaven
Research Associate
RAS E1021
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9409
Larissa Estes
Graduate Assistant
RAS E1003N
[email protected]
Dr. Dritana Marko
Faculty Associate
San Antonio campus
[email protected]
Of ce: 210/562-5541
Syed Noor
Graduate Assistant
RAS E1003L
[email protected]
Desk: 713/500-9497
Patricia (Patty) Poole
Executive Assistant
RAS E1025
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9318
Shannon Rasp
Senior Communications Specialist RIA
RAS E1013
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9490
Thomas (Tom) Reynolds
Research Associate
RAS E931
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9387
Nickalos (Nick) Rocha
Program Manager RIA
RAS E1019
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9488
Denise Truong
Graduate Assistant
RAS 1003J
[email protected]
Desk: 713/500-9480
Dr. Jessica Tullar
Faculty Associate
RAS E1007
[email protected]
Of ce: 713/500-9481
Li Yu
Graphic Designer
RAS E1003S
[email protected]
Desk: 713/500-9484
The Institute for Health Policy
The University of Texas School of Public Health
1200 Herman Pressler
Houston, Texas 77030
713/500-9318
37
A Knowledge Translation Initiative
Research Into Action
Institute
Director
Executive
Assistant
Fellowship
Program
Health of
Houston
Research
Into Action
Program
Manager
Program
Manager
Faculty
Afliates
Faculty
Afliates
Sr. Comm.
Specialist
Sr. Comm.
Specialist
Research
Associate
Research
Associate
Research
Associate
Research
Associate
Research
Associate
Faculty
Associate
Graphic
Designer
Graduate
Assistants
Graduate
Assistants
Graduate
Assistants
Interns
Clean Air
Project
Decision
Support
Appendices
Three-Level
Project Screening
Criteria
Appendix A









































Three-Level Project Screening Criteria



Introduction

For the first two knowledge translation (KT) projects undertaken by Research Into Action A Knowledge
Translation Initiative, the staff used a three-level, 15-step screening process to evaluate and select suitable
projects. All current UT SPH research projects were loaded into a Microsoft Access database, which allowed
easy rating, recording, organization, and analysis of the screening results.

The level one review contained five screening criteria; the level two review contained four screening criteria;
and the level three review contained six criteria. For each screening round, the database presented reviewers
with each screening criterion and an accompanying checkbox. Checking the box indicated that the reviewer
found the proposed project acceptable under that criterion. Leaving the box unchecked indicated that the
reviewer found the proposed project unacceptable under that criterion.

During the level one review, generally speaking, a project needed to be acceptable under all five criteria. Levels
two and three were subject to discussion and negotiation among the reviewers if there was a substantial amount
of disagreement as to whether a project was acceptable.

Level One Screening Criteria


Criteria Description
1.1 Is the project a UT SPH project? In the first year of the RIA project, staff reviewers only considered
research that was based in the UT School of Public Health
1.2 Are the research sites in-state? For ease of access and logistics, staff reviewers only considered
research where the primary sites were within the state of Texas
1.3 What is the political index for the
project?
Political index refers to the political and public sensitivity of the
research under consideration. Research that was considered to be
highly sensitive was ruled out. As a hypothetical example, a well-
designed, well-supported study on birth control among sexually
active teenagers; with significant results, would still be screened out
because of the sensitivity of the subject in a highly conservative
state like Texas
1.4 What is the market/user/media
receptivity to the project?
Reviewers considered how mass media and the general public would
view the importance of the research project under consideration. For
example, a study on genetic markers for a pre-disposition to Type II
diabetes would only be of interest to other geneticists; there would
be little chance of successful knowledge translation to a broad
audience
1.5 What is the potential health impact
of the project?
Reviewers considered the breadth of impact of the research results.
For example, a study of HIV-positive Hispanic teenagers in
economically depressed areas along the Texas-Mexico border is
worthwhile, but the audience is self-limiting. The broader the
potential user audience, the more likely that the project would be
kept in





Three-Level Project Screening Criteria


Level Two Screening Criteria

Criteria Description
2.1 What is the cost of this project to
our office?
Based on the principal investigators description of the research
project and its results, reviewers considered which modalities might
be most appropriate for KT, and what their potential cost might be.
No actual estimate of costs was entered; the reviewers indicated
whether they thought the potential cost was acceptable
2.2 What is the level of effort required? Reviewers considered the level of work impact on staff if the project
under deliberation was accepted
2.3 How simply can the issue be
translated?
This criterion relates to the complexity of the issues raised by the
research and how easily they might be translated to the intended
audience. Research featuring complicated, difficult-to-comprehend
results would be screened out
2.4 What is the likelihood of KT
success?
This criterion asked the reviewer to consider the cost, level of effort,
complexity of the issue, and the potential audiences likely
acceptance or rejection of the research, and make a subjective
judgment about the potential for success

Level Three Screening Criteria

Criteria Description
3.1 What is the quantity and quality of
the published evidence supporting
this project?
By this stage, a preliminary evidence map has been created for all of
the research projects still under consideration, and reviewers are
asked to judge whether or not the supporting evidence is sufficient
to warrant further consideration
3.2 How generalizable is the project? This criterion asks the reviewer to judge how broad an audience is
affected by the project under consideration; the broader the
audience, the more likely the project will be kept in for
consideration
3.3 How personalizable is the project? For this criterion, the reviewer considers whether the project can be
positioned as having a personal impact on the health and well-being
of the end-user. If its easy for the end-user to say this doesnt
affect me, or I would never have that problem, then the project is
likely to be screened out
3.4 How easy will it be to evaluate our
progress/success/failure on this
project?
The reviewer considers how and when milestones for progress
might be assessed, and whether there are easily definable measures
of success or failure. If the project does not lend itself to concrete
measurement in this regard, it is likely to be screened out
3.5 Are there potential advocates/
promoters/champions for this
project?
This criterion asks the reviewer to consider what, and how many,
ancillary audiences might be supportive of the project, and whether
they could be recruited to help support KT efforts
3.6 What is the cost effectiveness
implication for the user on this
project?
For this criterion, the reviewer assesses the pocketbook impact of
the project on the end-user. The more cost-effective the project can
be demonstrated to be, the more likely it is to be kept in for
consideration




Appendix B
SBIRT Evidence Map
















We synthesized the results of many individual studies conducted on SBIRT and childhood physical
activity to apply the best research evidence to our two projects. We also reviewed databases of peer-
reviewed literature for our two topics. We then sorted articles according to established criteria and
integrated the findings. From this, we generated a map of clustered ideas representing the multiple
dimensions of each research question. Our maps are visual diagrams showing related concepts, as
well as differences in study populations or settings, and serve as a guide for an interventions
applicability and effectiveness. In the case of SBIRT, we reviewed over 100 articles and categorized
98 of them into four primary categories and 15 secondary categories. Fewer studies have been
conducted around childrens physical activity and academic achievement, but a majority of the 27
relevant articles we reviewed reported positive impacts on school performance.
Topical
Dimensions of
98 Articles
Assessment
Tools
15 Articles
Sub-Populations
20 Articles
Implementation
or Barriers
51 Articles
Economic
Evaluation
14 Articles
SBI Effect Size
48 Articles
Who delivers?
Nurses or GPs
Screening Instruments
Web & Electronic
Screening
Elderly
Youth, Adolescent,
College-Age, 18-24
Ethnicity and Cultural
Sensitivity
Physician and
Patient Attitudes
Motivational
Interviewing
Training Requirements
and Quality Guides
Women and Pregnant
Women
Long-term and
short-term
In EDs, Trauma Centers and
Primary Care
Cost of SBIRT
Programs
Cost/Benefit
Analysis for States
Reduced Drinking and
Reduced Visits to ED
Classroom Physical Activity and Academic Achievement
Making the Healthy Choice an Easy Choice
Both reading and math scores improve for poorly adapting
physical activity. (Murray, et. al.,
and Fourth Grade Students in Texas With Adaptive Skills Problems, American Public Health Association, October 29, 2008,
San Diego, CA [Funded through Prevention Research Center Program of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

All students improve their math scores when they increase their physical activity.
PASS & CATCH Fitness and Academic Achievement Among Third an
of Sports Medicine, May 30, 2008, Indianapolis, IN
Disease Control and Prevention])

Increased classroom activity leads to significant
(Mahar, et. al., Effects of a Classroom
Sports and Exercise, 2006)

Increased physical activity
al., Coordinated School Health Programs and Academic Achievement: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Health, 2007)

The evidence is clear:

Increased classroom physical activity
help teachers improve classroom
management, math and reading scores,
concentration and time on task, and help
their students make healthy choices and
develop healthy habits.





(Fitness + Focus) (Fitness + Focus) (Fitness + Focus) (Fitness + Focus)
x x x x
Time on Task Time on Task Time on Task Time on Task = == =
Better Prepared Better Prepared Better Prepared Better Prepared
22 22 22 22
x 8 x 8 x 8 x 8
176 176 176 176
5(x + 2) = 25 5(x + 2) = 25 5(x + 2) = 25 5(x + 2) = 25
[ [[ [5(x + 2 5(x + 2 5(x + 2 5(x + 2]/5 ]/5 ]/5 ]/5 = 25 = 25 = 25 = 25/5 /5 /5 /5 x + 2 = 5 x + 2 x + 2 = 5 x + 2 x + 2 = 5 x + 2 x + 2 = 5 x + 2 - -- -2 22 2 = 5 = 5 = 5 = 5 - -- -2 22 2
x = 3 x = 3 x = 3 x = 3
*Classroom activities such as those used in the PASS & CATCH study are low
TAKE 10 program, www.take10.net.
Physical Activity Adds Up
Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of aerobic
physical activity every day to receive substantial health benefits,
according to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servi
The good news is that basically any activity counts, as long as it's
done at a moderate or vigorous intensity for at least 10 minutes at a
time. When combined with PE or structured recess minutes, simple
10-, 20-, or 30-minute classroom physical activ
closer to the daily goal. Adding physical activities that kids enjoy and
that match their abilities will help ensure that you and the class stick
with them to see both health and academic rewards.
Appendix C
Classroom Physical Activity and Academic Achievement
Making the Healthy Choice an Easy Choice

There is growing scientific evidence that shows the link between
physical activity and student success. Being active stimulates the
mind and we function better throughout the day. This is true for
administrators, teachers, and students. Teachers have known for
years that students are more attentive, less fidgety, behave better,
and some can improve scholastically after physical activity like
recess, or after physical education. So why not
and fun physical activity into your educational curriculum?


reading and math scores improve for poorly adapting** students when they increase their
Murray, et. al., PASS & CATCH Classroom Physical Activity and Stanford 10 Scores Among Third
and Fourth Grade Students in Texas With Adaptive Skills Problems, American Public Health Association, October 29, 2008,
through Prevention Research Center Program of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
students improve their math scores when they increase their physical activity.
Fitness and Academic Achievement Among Third and Fourth Grade Students in Texas,
08, Indianapolis, IN [Funded through the Prevention Research Center Program of Centers for
classroom activity leads to significant, systematic improvement in on
Effects of a Classroom-Based Program on Physical Activity and On-Task Behavior, Medicine and Science in
activity does not take away from classroom academic outcomes.
Coordinated School Health Programs and Academic Achievement: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Increased classroom physical activity can
management, math and reading scores,
concentration and time on task, and help
their students make healthy choices and
A Knowledge T
Institute for Health Policy
P.O. Box 20186 Houston, TX 7
**Poorly adapting students are those who score below average on measures
skills, coping skills, and adaptation to school.

Classroom activities such as those used in the PASS & CATCH study are low-cost, easy to use, and immediately available through the
Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of aerobic
physical activity every day to receive substantial health benefits,
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The good news is that basically any activity counts, as long as it's
done at a moderate or vigorous intensity for at least 10 minutes at a
time. When combined with PE or structured recess minutes, simple
minute classroom physical activities get students
closer to the daily goal. Adding physical activities that kids enjoy and
that match their abilities will help ensure that you and the class stick
with them to see both health and academic rewards.
Classroom Physical Activity and Academic Achievement
Making the Healthy Choice an Easy Choice
evidence that shows the link between
eing active stimulates the
mind and we function better throughout the day. This is true for
administrators, teachers, and students. Teachers have known for
years that students are more attentive, less fidgety, behave better,
ally after physical activity like
recess, or after physical education. So why not build movement
and fun physical activity into your educational curriculum?*
students when they increase their
Classroom Physical Activity and Stanford 10 Scores Among Third
and Fourth Grade Students in Texas With Adaptive Skills Problems, American Public Health Association, October 29, 2008,
through Prevention Research Center Program of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention])
students improve their math scores when they increase their physical activity. (Murray, et al.,
d Fourth Grade Students in Texas, American College
Prevention Research Center Program of Centers for
, systematic improvement in on-task behavior.
, Medicine and Science in
classroom academic outcomes. (Murray, et.
Coordinated School Health Programs and Academic Achievement: A Systematic Review of the Literature, Journal of School
Translation Initiative
77225 713.500.9318
Poorly adapting students are those who score below average on measures of social
cost, easy to use, and immediately available through the
This program lets my mind wake up because you always have to concentrate on doing
your best.
PASS & CATCH student

I also liked the game where we would pass the ball
multiplication tables. This game we would play before math in the morning to get our heart
pumping.
PASS & CATCH student
I really enjoyed the activities
positive energy from the activities.
PASS & CATCH teacher

My students were able to get out their
the different activities.
PASS & CATCH teacher
My students were more focused and when students were getting off task, I would use PASS
& CATCH activities.
PASS & CATCH teacher



































PASS & CATCH Reading Scores
PASS &
This program lets my mind wake up because you always have to concentrate on doing
I also liked the game where we would pass the ball around the room and give each other
This game we would play before math in the morning to get our heart
really enjoyed the activities the kids enjoyed them also. We were able to get a lot of
positive energy from the activities.
were able to get out their pent-up energy in a positive way. They really enjoyed
My students were more focused and when students were getting off task, I would use PASS
PASS & CATCH Reading Scores
PASS & CATCH Math Scores
This program lets my mind wake up because you always have to concentrate on doing
around the room and give each other
This game we would play before math in the morning to get our heart
the kids enjoyed them also. We were able to get a lot of
up energy in a positive way. They really enjoyed

My students were more focused and when students were getting off task, I would use PASS
Lear ni ng about k now l edge t r ansl at i on vi a t he Wor l d Wi de Web:
Ar e we as di ssemi nat or s usi ng t he Web t o di ssemi nat e?
Amy T. Beaven, Al i c i a Samuel s, St ephen H. Li nder, Ph.D, Ri char d A. Aust i n, Fol ake Ol ani r an, Ni ck al os A. Rocha, Syed W. Noor
Appendix D
A composite score was calculated for each site by summing up the graders assigned scores (possible score
range is from 30 to 102). Higher scores indicate that the site contains relevant KT information, is easy to
navigate, has understandable content, has an enhancing overall design, incorporates examples of best practice,
gets updated regularly, encourages visitors to engage in KT, and has interactive features, a search function, a
feedback tool and external links to KT information.
Back gr ound
Knowledge translation (KT) is a dynamic process
that includes the synthesis, dissemination,
exchange and application of knowledge to
improve the outcomes of professional practice.
The current climate of transparent governance and
accountability in health research has generated
renewed interest in KT. This newfound emphasis
What do KT Pr of essi onal s Want ?
In a recently conducted international survey of KT professionals, respondents indicated a clear need for a
comprehensive KT Website, and noted a number of features that they would like to see in such a site.
Met hods
On a single day in May 2008, graders conducted two internet
searches (first with keyword Knowledge Translation and
secondly Knowledge Transfer) on three different search
engines (Google, Ask and Scirus) and recorded the first 10
sites generated. After removing duplicates and non-working
sites, graders each rated the same 45 sites with the following
measures:
Rat i ng t he Top KT Websi t es
14
16
Q3: How do you rate the need for a
comprehensive healthcare-related KT Website?
(42 of 43 responded, average rating: 3.88)
16
18
Q4: How likely would you be to use a
comprehensive healthcare-related KT Website?
(42 of 43 responded, average rating: 3.95)
I nst i t ut e f or Heal t h Pol i cy, Resear ch I nt o Ac t i on I ni t i at i ve (RI A)
p
in healthcare and public health-related KT
(sometimes termed evidence-based medicine) has
spurred new research and practice, with novel KT
models and best practices. No research study to
date has examined the extent to which KT is being
utilized to disseminate information. Has the field
utilized the fastest method of spreading
information: moving information from the KT
research community to those charged with
disseminating and implementing research
outcomes? To answer this question we had three
Likert Scale (1=low to 5=high)
Relevance of content/Degree of KT information;
Ease of navigation;
Readability/Content understandable;
Overall design (are the colors/graphics appropriate for the
site/audience, do they serve to enhance the user's
experience),
Yes/No items
Top Websi t es Know l edge Tr ansl at i on
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
2.4% 7.1% 23.8% 33.3% 33.3%
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
2.4% 2.4% 31.0% 26.2% 38.1%
Hosting Organization Composite Score
1 Atlantic Health Promotion Research Center (www.ahprc.dal.ca) 88
2 Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au) 86
3 World Health Organization (www.who.int/kms/en/) 85
4 Canadian Institutes of Health (www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca) 83
5
Joint KT Program of St. Michael's Hospital and The University of Toronto 83 ou co es? o swe s ques o we d ee
independent graders systematically identify and
review the same websites using a set of measures
determined valuable in a survey of KT
professionals.
Yes/No items
Presence of best practices/Examples of how KT is done;
Presence of tool to solicit feedback/contact for more
information;
Does site get updated frequently;
Presence of interactive features;
Does the site contain verbiage to intrigue, educate and
motivate visitors to engage in KT;
Is there a search function; and
Are there links to other KT-related sites
Hosting Organization Composite Score
1 Scottish Agricultural College (www.sac.ac.uk/knowledge/) 83
2 Knowledge Transfer Partnership (www.ktponline.org.uk) 83
3
University of Leeds: Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer Program
(wwwcampus leeds ac uk/kt/)
82
Top Websi t es Know l edge Tr ansf er
1 - Not at all
important
2 3 -
Somewhat
important
4 5 - Very
important
1 - Not at
all likely
2 3 -
Somewhat
likely
4 5 - Very
likely
Q7: What feature or features would motivate you to visit a KT Website regularly?
(27 of 43 responded)
Listserv for current KT research and resources such as analysis tools and effective practices (12)
Applicability/usability/accessibility for example to those with disabilities (11)
Searchable database of KT research and related papers with summaries (7)
Calendar of events for workshops and conferences (2)
Interactive tools such as public commenting, user-generated tagging, and individual document ranking (1)
RSS f t (1)
COUNTRYOF ORIGIN OF
WEBSITES
FREQUENCY PERCENT
Australia 1 2.2
Canada 9 20.0
Multinational 1 2.2
5
g p y
(www.stmichaelshospital.com/research/kt.php)
Di sc ussi on
A majority of the knowledge translation and knowledge transfer sites were easy to navigate had a satisfactory appearance contained common search and
Inter-rater agreement of the 12 items was calculated using
Cronbachs Alpha (=.732) and the 4 criteria assessed with a
Likert scale ranking were found to be normally distributed
around a mean value of approximately 3 with a standard
deviation close to 1.
(www.campus.leeds.ac.uk/kt/)
4 Institute for Work and Health (www.iwh.on.ca/kte/kte.php) 81
5 National Physical Laboratorys Knowledge Transfer (www.npl.co.uk) 79
RSS format (1)
Audio/video clips (1)
Links to funding agencies (1)
No need for searchable database (1)
Suggestion to describe how technology can improve/hinder KT (1)
*Some responses fell into multiple categories therefore sum of category frequencies will total to more than 27.
Switzerland 1 2.2
United Kingdom 10 22.2
USA 23 51.1
Total 45 100.0
AUDITSUMMARYSTATISTICS MEAN STD.
DEV.
N*
Relevance and Degree of KT information
(1=low, 5=high)
3.13 1.202 135
Ease of Navigation
( d ff l )
3.42 1.129 135
NUMBER OFAUDITED SITES
WITH KNOWLEDGE
TRANSLATION FEATURES
RATERS
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY PERCENT
Relevance of KT Information Satisfactory 29 64.4
Not Satisfactory 16 35 6
NUMBER OFAUDITED SITES WITH
USEFULINTERNET FEATURES
RATERS
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY PERCENT
Ease of Navigation Satisfactory 36 80.0
Not Satisfactory 9 20.0
A majority of the knowledge translation and knowledge transfer sites were easy to navigate, had a satisfactory appearance, contained common search and
feedback features, and importantly contained relevant and comprehensible KT information. This suggests that organizations with a KT mission, whether
as a primary endeavor or as an enhancement of others efforts, are capable of communicating with their intended audiences (which was more often a
practitioner group rather than a researcher or KT professional). However, a majority of KT sites identified in our search lack KT best practices, links to
other KT sites, frequent updating and interactive features. This absence may reduce KT professionals ability to form a more integrated community of
practice that is capable of synthesizing and sharing information about the field of knowledge translation in a timely and innovative manner.
*45 sites by 3 raters
(1= difficult, 5=easy)
Readability/Content Understandable
(1=difficult to understand, 5= highly
understandable)
3.36 1.104 135
Colors/Graphics Appropriate for Site/Audience
(1=not at all, 5=very much)
3.08 1.100 135
Not Satisfactory 16 35.6
Readability/Understandable Satisfactory 32 71.1
Not Satisfactory 13 28.9
Presence of verbiage to intrigue, educate
and motivate visitors to engage in KT
Yes 27 60.0
No 18 40.0
Presence of Best Practices Yes 15 33.3
No 30 66.7
Presence of links to other KT-related sites Yes 25 55.6
No 20 44.4
Appearance Satisfactory 31 68.9
Not Satisfactory 14 31.1
Presence of Feedback/Contact Tool Yes 39 86.7
No 6 13.3
Updated Regularly (<2 wks) Yes 8 17.8
No 37 82.2
Presence of Interactive Features
(e.g. Blogs, ability to post comment, surveys)
Yes 4 8.9
No 41 91.1
Presence of Search Function Yes 35 77.8
No 10 22.2




Appendix E




Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge
Translation and Social Networking
Survey Results
January 2009



Institute for Health Policy


















Copyright 2009 Research Into Action A Knowledge Translation Initiative



A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 2 of 9



Overview
In December 2008, Research Into Action A Knowledge Translation Initiative (RIA), an
Institute for Health Policy project at the University of Texas School of Public Health, surveyed
all of the attendees from the 2008 CDC social marketing conference, Engage and Deliver.
Attendees were invited to respond to our online survey via CDCs Health Communication,
Marketing, and Media (HCMM) listserv. Of the 914 conference attendees contacted, 167 (18%)
responded. Following is a snapshot of the results.
The majority of respondents:
Are from the United States
Use the Internet often for work

Over 90 percent of respondents:
Are satisfied with the Internet as a source of information about KT
Feel the need for a comprehensive, healthcare-related KT Web site
Would be likely to use a comprehensive, healthcare-related KT Web site

Respondents ranked a list of features to incorporate into a comprehensive healthcare-
related KT Web site in the following order, from most desirable to least desirable:
Searchable database
Bibliography
Glossary
Listserv
Calendar of events
Audio/video clips
Audio/text chats
Blog

The most frequently cited features that would motivate respondents to visit a KT Web site
regularly are:
Listserv
Searchable database
Web sites usability, accessibility, and applicability

The most frequently cited other tools or features respondents would like to see in a
comprehensive KT Web site are:
A current database containing KT players/contact information and KT projects/funders
Analysis tools, such as case studies, to assess KTs impact and show how to
replicate/adapt strategies

Please feel free to share this report with others. If you have any comments and/or are interested
in being notified of future RIA projects, please contact Nickalos Rocha, RIA Program Manager,
at 713-500-9488.

A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 3 of 9

The Survey



0% 1%
8%
15%
76%
Q1: How often do you use the Internet to help accomplish
your daily tasks at work?
(167 of 167 responded, all use Internet at least once a week)
Less than once a week
1-2 times a week
3-10 times a week
11-20 times a week
More than 20 times a week
2.4% 5.4% 22.2% 39.5% 28.7% 3.6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
1- Not at all
satisfactory
2 3-
Somewhat
satisfactory
4 5- Very
satisfactory
Not
applicable
Q2: On a scale of 1-5, how do you rate your
satisfaction with the Internet as a source of
information about KT?
(167 of 167 responded, average rating: 3.96)
A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 4 of 9








0.6% 4.3% 22.7% 36.2% 37.4%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
1- Not at all
important
2 3- Somewhat
important
4 5- Very
important
Q3: How do you rate the need for a
comprehensive healthcare-related KT Website?
(163 of 167 responded, average rating: 4.09)
0.6% 4.3% 22.7% 36.2% 37.4%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
1- Not at all
important
2 3- Somewhat
important
4 5- Very
important
Q4: How likely would you be to use a
comprehensive healthcare-related KT Website?
(165 of 167 responded, average rating: 4.07)
A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 5 of 9



Q6: What feature or features would motivate you to visit a KT Website regularly?
(148 of 167 responded)
Searchable database of relevant KT research (64)
Bibliography of journals, papers, and related research (32)
Audio/video clips of related seminars and workshops (22)
Listserv for distribution of new KT research and information (18)
Regularly updated calendar of events in the field (14)
KT blog written by someone actively engaged in KT (14)
Live, scheduled audio or text chat on related KT topics (9)
Glossary of terms used in KT (5)
Feature not suggested by survey: Twitter, RSS feed, and searchable database of audio material (3)
Only if pertinent to own specific field of work or cannot find information elsewhere (3)
Only if it is truly comprehensive, regularly updated and has working search capability (3)
Only if it is user-friendly and uses simple language (3)
Only if access is free (2)
Still not sure what KT is (2)
No need for site at this time (1)
*Some responses fell into multiple categories therefore sum of category frequencies will total to more than 148.


0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
Q5: Following are some of the tools and features we are
considering incorporating. Please rate how likely you would be
to use each tool or feature.
(167 of 167 responded, average rating for each tool below)
Blog
Live, scheduled audio/text chat
Audio/video clips of
seminars/workshops
Regularly updated calendar of
events
Listserv
Glossary
Bibliography
Searchable database
A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 6 of 9

Question 8: Do you currently use any social
networking Internet sites for any purpose,
personal or professional?
(167 of 167 responded)
Yes
No
73.8%
26.2%

Q7: Apart from those listed in question 6, are there any other tools or features you
would like to see in a comprehensive KT Website? (84 of 167 responded)
No (30)
Case studies whether they are successful or not (14)
Best practices or How to KT guides for different types of users and target audiences (10)
Ability to tailor or breakdown sites resources for different users and audiences (4)
Ability to read about and network with others in the field including industry experts (6)
Ability to share or link KT Websites resources to other websites (4)
Interactive Wiki-like tools: list of other KT sites with user ratings to determine usefulness, allow users to add
tools to KT Website and discuss issues in forums (4)
Interactive prevention page/site for public groups such as teens and parents (1)
Area for ancillary resources such as actual translated documents in plain language for public use, information on
health communication campaigns, information containing rigorous or theoretically-based decisions about KT,
opinion pieces, news articles (10)
Alert systems: RSS feed, email prompt when new info available, progress tracker for previous queries (3)
Career, mentoring, educational, and training opportunities (3)
Ability to download full reports and papers (1)
Summaries of papers in bibliography (1)
Plain language throughout site (3)
Consensus definitions of KT and include all synonyms such as T3 or T4 research and diffusion (1)
Suggestion to make sites objectives clear, one size fits all usually fits none (3)
Repeated features surveyed: searchable database, listserv (3)
*Some responses fell into multiple categories therefore sum of category frequencies will total to more than 84.













A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 7 of 9

Q9: If you answered yes to the previous question, please describe what social
networking site you use, and what you use it for. (120 of 167 responded)
Facebook (95 unique users): networking, business, engage in and monitor dialogue with different audiences
about different issues, build public awareness of key issues in communities, other professional use (31); keeping
in touch with family and friends, social networking, music, videos, other personal use (70); not specified (21)
LinkedIn (59 unique users): professional (39); personal (7); not specified (17)
MySpace (19 unique users): professional (3); personal (14); not specified (4)
Twitter (11 unique users): internal agency communication (6); personal use (1); not specified (5)
YouTube (4 unique users): disease outbreaks, health promotion initiatives and other news (3); not specified (1)
Other: Flickr to share public health images or not specified (2); Orkut to keep personal and professional
contacts in order (1); Care2 - social activism for healthy and green living (1); WetPaint - wiki/collaborative
document sharing tool used in past (1); Ning - professional and personal use (1); BOP Source personal use
(1); BlogSpot (1); GovCoop (1); internal and external blogs (1)
Professional use confirmed but did not specify specific sites (4)
Personal use confirmed but did not specify specific sites (2)
Future professional use planned (1)
Funding issues prevent professional use (1)
No time to use, not matter of interest (1)
*Some responses fell into multiple categories therefore sum of category frequencies will total to more than 120.

Q10: If you answered yes to question 8, would you find social networking useful in
the pursuit of your work? If so, describe how. (113 of 167 responded)
Maintain, expand and/or use network to find others with similar professional interests/work (26)
Receive fast feedback from a big network (5)
Share resources and best practices, prevent reinventing the wheel (14)
Create partnerships, coalition building, interdisciplinary team development, lead to action and change (9)
As an intervention or awareness campaign vehicle to target hard to reach or unexposed audiences (7)
Probably only to keep up with campaigns and other events (2)
Probably only if in specific formats: LinkedIn, Twitter, blog (5)
Interest in a KT/health communications/social marketers social networking group (2)
Comment about probable importance of social networking in KT (1)
Comment about high importance of social networking in public health (5)
Yes but concerned about disconnect between generations if used (1)
Yes but concerned about limited access in workplace (5)
Probably only for job searching (5)
Probably only to maintain personal or informal connections (3)
Yes but no reason given (7)
Unsure (23): open to idea but not sure how, only if utilizes existing application or depends on format/usage
No (15): time-consuming, unnecessary, limited utility, not very reliable, not yet or no reason given
*Some responses fell into multiple categories therefore sum of category frequencies will total to more than 113.


A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 8 of 9




49%
18%
20%
10%
3%
Q11: What setting do you currently work
in?
(166 of 167 responded)
Government
University
Nonprofit
Private/Commercial
Other (please specify)
96%
2%
1% 1%
Q12. Where is your organization located?
(166 of 167 responded)
United States
Canada
Europe
Asia
Question 13: Do you currently work in
knowledge translation?
(164 of 167 responded)
Yes
No
52.1%
47.9%
A Research Into Action Survey of Social Marketers Knowledge Translation and Social Networking
Page 9 of 9


Q15: Do you have any other comments or questions about the survey or the
Institute for Health Policy's knowledge translation activities? (45 of 167 responded)
Defined terms, disagreed with given terms and suggested different term usage (6)
Confusion about how knowledge translation (i.e., the survey) relates to their work even given the explanation
(4)
Pointed out errors in the survey design (2)
Suggested defining the focus/purpose because dangerous to get too broad (2)
Provide only best information to prevent information overload (2)
Make information pertinent and available to groups that need it most (community groups, non-profit and
university described) (3)
Some work computer systems limit access to networking sites (2)
Suggested another website for knowledge transfer, etc. information (1)
Interest in Survey Results (3)
Interest in Site once created (2)
Interest in working together (2)
Generic support of IHP efforts (5)
*Some responses fell into multiple categories therefore sum of category frequencies will total to more than 35.

Summary
This survey represents a preliminary attempt to gather information about knowledge translation,
social marketing, social networking, and the use of Web 2.0 technologies for the dissemination
of knowledge translation information. It should be considered a general descriptive report, rather
than a rigorous investigation.
The Institute for Health Policy at the University of Texas School of Public Health, through its
Research Into Action program, is committed to expanding the conversation among knowledge
translation professionals and social marketers about our models, tools, experiences, and best
practices.
6%
45%
24%
8%
17%
Q14: How many years have you been
working in knowledge translation?
(84 of 167 reponded)
Less than one year
1 to 5 years
6 to 10 years
11 to 15 years
More than 15 years
Appendix F

KT Web Portal Features

1. Home page and other content pages
1.1. Editable text for Knowledge Translation (KT) history/definition/organizational context/glossary of terms
1.2. Links to other pages such as About Us page and specific RIA and KT community project pages
1.3. Graphics
1.3.1. Clean layout with current color schemes and extremely user-friendly features
1.3.2. Example sites:
http://www.who.int/kms/en/, http://www.ncddr.org/kt/products/focus/focus10/

2. Searchable literature database (programming)
2.1. Ability for web administrator to upload citations in AP format, including title, author, publication date,
journal details, abstract, and optional rating text box (see example)
2.1.1. Example site: http://www.ncddr.org/ktinfocenter/articles.html Site is not ideal as a list but
the rating boxes and the information provided in the citations is user-friendly

2.2. Users can keyword search and advance search by author, publication date, or journal
2.2.1. Example site: http://www.ahprc.dal.ca/kt/library.cfm Database is searchable by topic area
but we prefer keyword and advanced search capabilities like
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/html/html_search/search_bib.php

2.3. Users can click to upload new citations in the same format above, which will go through the web
administrator for approval and final uploading

2.4. Users can rate citations and post comments and add to threads either anonymously or with a username
2.4.1. Example site: http://www.implementationscience.com/content/4/1/1/comments Also like
the bookmark feature of this site allowing users to post citations to other tracking and networking sites

3. Searchable contact database (programming)
3.1. Users can upload a picture, name, contact info, areas of research interest, CV file
3.1.1. Example site: http://www.ginnn.com/

4. Project funders information database (programming)
4.1. Users can upload funding information, including funding organization name and contact information, brief
description of opportunity, and link to application
4.1.1. Example site: http://www.researchnet-
recherchenet.ca/rnr16/search.do?view=search&fodAgency=CIHR&fodLanguage=E

4.1.2. Example site: http://philanthropy.com/giving/

5. Listserve and E-alert subscription (programming)
5.1. Users have the ability to select items they will receive such as newsletters, funding alerts, citation alerts
5.1.1. Example sites: http://www.galen.org/, http://www.iwh.on.ca/knowledge-transfer-exchange

6. Searchable calendar of events (programming)
6.1. Users have the ability to search by US or International events
6.2. Users have the ability to search by date, location, and theme and post events, final approval being from our
identified Webmaster.
6.2.1. Example sites: http://www.library.nhs.uk/knowledgemanagement/ Click on KM events on
right panel to see full appeal of this feature, http://www.auril.org.uk/pages/home.php This is an
alternative display of the event calendar

7. Formatted pages
7.1. E-Newsletter (text)
7.2. KT community project specific pages. This pages will consist of members existing KT Projects

8. Login to site and social networking (programming)
8.1. Possibility of a My Portal features with sign in that allows users to save searches, bookmark or tag
favorite articles, manage listserve and e-alert subscriptions (users can choose what type of information they
receive through e-mail), be added to contact list (and be visible to other users), and other social networking
features.
8.1.1. Example sites: http://www.brookings.edu/, http://www.idealist.org/,
http://www.auril.org.uk/pages/home.php

9. Other features
9.1. Survey on the site that is preferably not a pop-up but one that remains on the side of a page
9.1.1. Example site: http://www.sac.ac.uk/knowledge/
9.2. RSS feeds (upload and software)
9.3. Podcast capabilities
9.4. Google Analytics services incorporated
Appendix G
Research into Action Process Timeline
Short Term: Model Development and Testing











Long Term: Build Infrastructure and Formally Establish KT Role
Review KT
Literature
Establish Criteria
and Select Projects
1. Screening, Brief
Intervention and
Referral to Treatment
(SBIRT)
2. PASS-CATCH Classroom
Physical Activity
Messaging and
Translation
Derive Master Protocol from Best
KT Practices and Fit with Model
Develop Model
Evidence
Mapping
Apply Protocols to Each
Project (Promotion and
Linkage for our selected
projects)
Derive Implementation
Plan
Evaluation Plan
Report on Measures of
Project Success or
Failure and Feedback
to Our Model
Survey of KT
Professionals
Web Audit
of KT Sites
Branding Research into Action
Developing a KT Web Portal
Appendix H

Research Into Action Operating Budget
(from project inception to March 2009)


Budget Expense Encumbrance Pre-Encumbrance Balance
Salaries and
Benefits

$611,415.17

$449,989.46

$161,425.11

$ 0

$ .60
Maintenance and
Operations

$61,536.08

$14,534.39

$2,005.48

$42,761.84

$2,234.37
Travel $5,900.00 $2,926.81 $402.74 $430.00 $2,140.45
Official Functions $1,576.92 $1,032.52 $ 0 $ 0 $544.40
Reserves $239,571.83 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $239,571.83
Totals $920,000.00 $468,483.18 $163,833.33 $43,191.84 $244,491.65