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. 2015 Nov;60(7):849-63.
doi: 10.1007/s00038-015-0716-5. Epub 2015 Aug 23.

What research tells us about knowledge transfer strategies to improve public health in low-income countries: a scoping review

Stéphanie Siron  1 , Christian Dagenais  2 , Valéry Ridde  3   4
Affiliations

What research tells us about knowledge transfer strategies to improve public health in low-income countries: a scoping review

Stéphanie Siron et al. Int J Public Health. 2015 Nov.

Abstract

Objectives: This study describes the current state of research on knowledge transfer strategies to improve public health in low-income countries, to identify the knowledge gaps on this topic.

Methods: In this scoping review, a descriptive and systematic process was used to analyse, for each article retained, descriptions of research context and methods, types of knowledge transfer activities and results reported.

Results: 28 articles were analysed. They dealt with the evaluation of transfer strategies that employed multiple activities, mostly targeting health professionals and women with very young children. Most often these studies used quantitative designs and measurements of instrumental use with some methodological shortcomings. Results were positive and suggested recommendations for improving professional practices, knowledge and health-related behaviours. The review highlights the great diversity of transfer strategies used, strategies and many conditions for knowledge use.

Conclusions: The review provides specific elements for understanding the transfer processes in low-income countries and highlights the need for systematic evaluation of the conditions for research results utilization.

Keywords: Knowledge transfer; Low-income countries; Public health; Research utilization; Scoping review.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA diagram depicting the flow of information through the different phases of scoping review process about research on knowledge transfer in low-income countries
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Frequencies of public health issue(s) addressed in the studies included
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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