La recherche sur le transfert des connaissances en santé publique dans les pays à faible revenu : une synthèse exploratoire
Making use of the knowledge that comes from research has the potential of improving the quality and the offer of services targeted to the population. The integration of this knowledge to the interventions and decision making processes in healthcare is all the more central in countries with low income in which the financial, logistical, and human resources are limited, and in which public health concerns affect an alarming proportion of the population. The current study aims to describe the present state of research on knowledge transfer on public health in low-income countries. In order to do that, we conducted an exploratory synthesis abiding by the systematic method of PRISMA. 28 studies were selected. All in all, these studies evaluate multiple knowledge transfer strategies, of which the most common are training programs, distribution of material, and train the trainer programs. Other strategies are based on the distribution of educational materials, feedback and supervision, implementation of guidelines, etc. The agents of transfer that are implicated are mostly “non specialized” trainers and specialists of health; the potential users are mostly first-line health workers and consumers of services, especially women and young children. Globally, studies report positive results, many of which are significant: an increase in recommended practices, more utilization of essential products, and a better understanding of transferred knowledge. We also note the evaluation of some novel strategies such as artistic performances and playful activities. These strategies have shown encouraging results and are much appreciated by both transfer agents and users. In terms of the research methodology, the majority of studies use qualitative designs and have essentially been published in the last decade. Multiple research instruments are being used, but very few studies report their psychometric properties. In that sense, it is difficult for us to attest to their methodological quality and the results of these studies should therefore be nuanced. We finally note the importance of the health issues being addressed, the presence of novel strategies and the specificity of some conditions of utilization in the context of low-income countries. In conclusion, we propose future directions that could guide new research on the subject.
scoping study public health low-income countries knowledge translation evidences based practice effect and process clinical psychology