Engaging long-term opioid users in knowledge translation: Assessing participants' perceptions of the effectiveness of two formats

Background: The literature on formats of knowledge translation (KT) with drug-dependent populations is lacking and participants’ perceptions of the effectiveness of various formats have not been tested and shared.

Methods: Gender Matters was a cross-sectional study of long-term opioid users (n=178) in Vancouver’s poorest neighbourhood. The study covered various sensitive topics and the team was committed to sharing findings with participants. Two meetings were held to: 1) gather participant feedback on findings; and 2) test participants’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the KT formats. Meetings were 1) open and large-scale: n=60; 2) closed and small-scale: n=4-5. Findings were briefly presented and participant feedback was gathered using focus group discussions and a questionnaire. 

Results: The large-scale format proves to be suitable to disseminate findings whereas a smaller-scale format proves to be suitable for collecting in-depth participant feedback. Questionnaire data showed participants of the small groups were significantly more likely to agree or strongly agree that the format was effective for sharing findings, and that the content presented accurately reflected their experiences. Less than 1/3 of participants had ever been involved in KT, and over 90% agreed or strongly agreed on the importance of participant involvement in KT. In focus groups participants cited feelings of inclusion, confirmation, and empowerment.

Conclusion: The two KT formats presented each serve a distinct purpose and the appropriateness of each should be determined based on the researcher’s specific KT objectives. These findings are relevant beyond opioid-dependent populations and provide considerations for researchers working with a range of marginalized groups.