Co-Creation of Knowledge Mobilization Strategies: Findings from a Collaborative Symposium

Context: Effectively mobilizing the uptake of research findings requires useful strategies as well as building capacity in primary health care (PHC) research communities for these activities. In Canada, a unique program exists - Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research-Primary Heath Care (TUTOR-PHC) that develops capacity for interdisciplinary PHC research. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of TUTOR-PHC, we held a Knowledge Mobilization Symposium.

Objective: To describe the results of a Symposium to co-create capacity for interdisciplinary PHC research knowledge mobilization.

Study Design and Analysis: The Symposium included keynote speakers, poster sessions, and two forums with small group activities and discussion. Forum 1 focused on how to effectively and actively mobilize the uptake of research findings into policy and practice. Forum 2 focused on identifying key components of accessible research syntheses in graphic form and impact narratives. A thematic analysis of the summaries from the forums was conducted.

Setting or Dataset: Canada

Population Studied: Sixty-three participants from all TUTOR-PHC cohorts as well as mentors, patientpartners, and knowledge users.

Intervention/Instrument: N/A

Outcome Measures: N/A

Results: Symposium participants came from across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, and India. Forum 1 focused on effective uptake of research findings - themes common across small discussion groups included: the importance of creating meaningful engagement at the outset of the research with key partners, building sustainable long-term relationships based on trust and humility, and creating a safe space for everyone (researchers, patient partners and policy-makers) to have an equal voice. Forum 2 focused on identifying important components of research syntheses in graphic form and impact narratives. All discussion groups noted the challenges in developing creative and engaging syntheses and narratives. A range of strategies from bar graphs to video games, billboards and podcasts were identified. While infographics were recognized as a common strategy, it was important to tailor them to the intended target audience.

Conclusions: Evaluation results demonstrate that the Symposium achieved its objectives. Knowledge mobilization is a key component of the research process that requires careful thought and planning.