 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Kerry L. Robinson, MA1, Susan J. Elliott, PhD1, John D. Eyles, PhD1, and S. Michelle Driedger, PhD2. (1) Canadian Heart Health Dissemination Project, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, BSB 311, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada, 905-525-9140 x23522, krobins@mcmaster.ca, (2) Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, 60 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
A linking systems approach within public health is a conceptually appealing and intuitive strategy for the diffusion of health promotion innovations addressing the broad determinants of health. Linking systems are defined as the interaction between producers and users of health promotion research and innovations in their development, exchange and uptake. Implicit within this view is the importance of capacity building to address determinants of health through effective and evidence-based public health practice. Yet, we know little about how to disseminate health promotion innovations. This presentation examines empirically the utility of the linking systems approach to dissemination and capacity building in order to contribute to our understanding of the interface between research and practice, and inform the effective use of limited public health resources. Using a parallel-case study qualitative design, the results are drawn from key informant interviews (n=60), and a content analysis of the final project reports from a subset (n=5) of provincial dissemination projects involved in the Canadian Heart Health Initiative (CHHI)- Dissemination Phase. This analysis reveals that all five provincial projects documented enhanced health promotion skills, strengthened partnerships, increased resources, improved organizational structures, and increased programming and sustainability in their targeted public health organizations through the linking systems. Challenges identified in the use of linking systems include lack of skilled people, funds, buy-in and leadership. The findings indicate that linking systems can be used to effectively build capacity and disseminate health promotion innovations from research/resource groups to public health organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Public Health Research
Related Web page: www.science.mcmaster.ca/chhdp/cdpweb.htm
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.