159090 Knowledge Application Program: Moving from science to service through innovative learning products

Monday, November 5, 2007

Chandria D. Jones, MPH , Westat, Rockville, MD
Mary Anne Myers, PhD , Westat, Rockville, MD
Glynis Parran , Westat, Rockville, MD
                    
Background: Westat leads a seven year, award-winning communications project for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Mental Health Services (SAMHSA/CMHS). The Knowledge Application Program (KAP) approach, crafted by Westat, integrates science-based health communications, social marketing, and knowledge transfer activities into an evidence-based dissemination model that guides the production of innovative and effective products promoting adoption of evidence-based practices.

Purpose: The goal of KAP is to develop innovative multi-media learning products aimed at improving adoption of evidence-based practices in behavioral healthcare. Working with CMHS's Homeless Programs and Community Support Program Branches, the KAP team creates workforce development tools grounded in adult learning theory.

Methods: Westat synthesized findings for evidence-based and promising practices and prepared products for disseminating information to promote knowledge adoption. Information synthesis incorporated material from expert panels, focus groups, community providers, findings from federal demonstration grants and the research literature. A systematic approach was used to create a brand identity within each family of materials. The clear branding offers the use of imagery and color that unite to effectively communicate messages.

Results: Working with audiences of service providers, policymakers, consumers, and subject experts, Westat crafts learning tools that present research findings and best practices that directly impact the provision of effective practices. Products include instructional CD-ROMs using mixed media, educational video, materials for workshops on implementing best practices, innovative e-learning strategies including web based curricula.

Conclusions: The various forms of media create exciting and more effective techniques for moving from ‘science to service'. The literature and audience testing confirm the impact of innovative e-learning and multi-media presentations in reaching the provider service community. This project highlights effective techniques and products, ranging from design and branding of materials to a presentation of examples of e-learning products.

Learning Objectives:
Understand how a wide range of innovative knowledge products can be created to present evidenced-based and promising practices in a way that promotes their adoption by practitioners, consumers and families. Become familiar with the process of creating multi-media learning products based on adult learning theory and that conform to accepted standards in health communications and social marketing. Identify strategies for improving their dissemination practice, as well as, provide assistance with product and process design and development.

Keywords: Communication Technology, Mental Health Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Achieving Service Improvement Through Public Health Informatics
See more of: Health Informatics Information Technology