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Epidemiology and policy
SP3-74 Expedited approach to disseminating evidence to policy makers in order to improve Aboriginal child health and well-being in Canada
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  1. S Tough1,2,3,
  2. N Reynolds1,
  3. D McNeil4,
  4. B Iahtail5,
  5. S Rikhy4
  1. 1Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  2. 2Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  3. 3Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  4. 4Public Health Innovation and Decision Support, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  5. 5Creating Hope Society, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Objectives To facilitate timely uptake of research evidence by policy makers and support the implementation of evidence-informed policies and practices to improve Aboriginal child health and well-being.

Methods This work was initiated in response to national government interest in improving Aboriginal child health and well-being. The approach began with a synthesis review which critically and culturally appraised published papers to identify promising practices. Next, a summary of the synthesis and other relevant reports was written for stakeholders and five recommendations were developed. The research team and other researchers in the area validated these documents. Key stakeholders, including policy makers, community leaders, and content experts, were surveyed to assess general support for the recommendations, identify other key contacts, and identify facilitators and barriers to dissemination. With support from stakeholders and the lead organisation's board of directors, the recommendations were finalised as a brief “Call To Action” document. An Aboriginal community member also wrote a culturally aligned, plain language version.

Results In 6 months, peer-supported recommendations were developed and broadly disseminated to stakeholders locally and nationally. The “Call To Action” was distributed to stakeholders via facilitated discussions, presentations, email, and internet. A follow-up survey of stakeholders will be conducted to assess the impact of our dissemination approach. The intended outcomes will include increased awareness, knowledge, and investment in evidence-informed strategies as recommended in the “Call To Action”.

Conclusions The approach undertaken provided timely research evidence for policy makers. Other than raising awareness, the impact of this approach remains to be determined.

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