Knowledge Mobilisation Resources
What is Knowledge Mobilisation? Materials to get you started
The basics and theory of Knowledge Mobilisation in the context of health research
- Lesley Wye and Clare Thomas (HPRU in Behavioural Science & Evaluation): webinar – The basics of KM and communications (28 minutes)
- Noel McCarthy (HPRU in Genomics and Enabling Data): webinar – KM explainer (11 minutes)
- Lindsay Bearne and Helen Baxter, NIHR Academy: Intro to KM webinar
- Wide range of online resources from the Knowledge Mobilisation Alliance of UK Universities, substantial input from NIHR.
Stakeholder Mapping
Identifying and mapping interested parties, e.g., patients, end users of research or funders.
- tools available free online. For the moment, I’m recommending this one from the WHO (4 pages including blank to use when doing your own)
Active Listening
Process of listening to understand, respond, reflect, and retain information.
Stakeholder Engagement
Ways to engage with stakeholders, e.g., informing, consulting, or involving.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
Involving lay people in the research process: Involvement = implies a degree of co-production of the research, sharing some of the decisions. Engagement = disseminating your work to patients and the public.
- Slides from the recent HPRU-EZI: Introduction to PPIE webinar in our Google Drive Presentations folder.
- HPRU-EZI now employs Ashleigh Cheyne as our PPIE lead: email cheyne@ndm.ox.ac.uk
- NIHR INVOLVE website to support active public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research. Now taken over by NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination: INVOLVE site is not now updated but retains useful resources.
Logic Models and Theory of Change
Logic models demonstrate inputs, outputs and outcomes for a process/programme. Theory of Change models show how and why change happens, and can be a tool for design and implementation.
- Our current HPRU-EZI Theory of Change model, in our Google Drive Useful papers and resources folder
- Nessa Carey slide deck illustrating the use of an ‘impact hypothesis’ in the same folder. Nessa’s company is Carey International Impact Training (unclear how much of this will continue after her imminent retirement).
Evidence Informed/Based Policy Making
How to persuade policy makers that their decisions should be informed by the scientific evidence you produce.
- James Lloyd: Should academics be expected to change policy? Six reasons why it is unrealistic for research to drive policy change (blog) – an excellent account of what doesn’t work and what can from an experienced practitioner
- Olivia Stevenson, Head of Public Policy, UCL: Translating research into policy (blog: 4-minute read)
- Paul Cairney and Richard Kwiatkowski: How to communicate effectively with policymakers (blog)
- Harry Aagaard Evans, NHS England and Improvement: Impacting on policy (blog)
- Paul Cairney is Professor of Politics and Public Policy at the University of Stirling: his Politics & Public Policy blog has a wealth of useful material.
Evidence Informed/Based Practice
How to persuade practitioners, their professional and regulatory bodies that their practice should be informed by the scientific evidence you produce.
- Implementation science at a glance - Methods to promote adoption and integration of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies into routine health care and public health settings to improve the impact on health. US based, but has summaries of key theories, methods, and models, the guide shows how the use of implementation science can support the effective adoption of evidence-based interventions. Also covers stakeholder engagement and evaluation (54 pages).
Dissemination
Methods of communicating research outputs, e.g., publication, or workshops.
Impact Identification
How to measure the research contribution to society and it's benefit to individuals, organisations and nations. Laura Meagher and David Edwards' evaluation framework is recommended by colleagues elsewhere in Liverpool's Faculty of Health & Life Sciences. Originally designed by forestry researchers but completely generic, it looks like a sound approach.
Measuring and Evaluating
How to measure and evaluate effective knowledge mobilisation.
Critical Appraisal
The process of examining research to judge its trustworthiness, value and relevance.
Technology Transfer
Transferring technology to transform scientific outcomes into products or services.
- ‘Technology Transfer: What does it tell us about KM?’ in our Google Drive presentations folder
Communications and Media Training
How to communicate and respond to media enquiries.
- Available from your University. At Liverpool, contact Press Office.
- For designing digital and physical documents, see the Google Drive HPRU KM Network > Useful papers and resources folder for
- Contact details for two recommended Liverpool firms and examples of their work
- A fast track guide to making your own infographic
What is the difference between knowledge mobilisation and communication?
This Knowledge Mobilisation and Comms Table outlines the key differences between KM and Communications and highlights how they can complement each other to ensure maximum uptake of your research.
The Pan-HPRU KM Network has produced a 6-page list of training and other resources.