Abstract:
Despite the availability of numerous models for knowledge translation into practice and
policy, research uptake remains low in resource-limited countries. This study was
aimed at developing a model to facilitate research uptake in healthcare practice and
policy development.
The study used a two-phase exploratory sequential approach (QUAL→QUAN).
Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a total of 21
participants, categorised as researchers (6), frontline workers/practitioners (7),
programme/policy managers (4), and directors/senior managers (4) from government,
private sector and academic institutions of higher learning (universities and colleges).
Quantitative data were collected through an online cross-sectional survey,
administered to 212 respondents who conducted research studies in the Mpumalanga
Province between 2014 to 2019.
The most significant findings seem to be lack of awareness of research findings and
champions to lead engagements among research stakeholders on research uptake.
In addition, the research has established a failure by researchers to align public health
research projects to existing local contexts and available resources. Conversely, there
is a growing propensity of using informal research without consideration of data quality
issues. It was further observed that establishing and sustaining beneficial collaboration
between all research stakeholders is required to promote effective research uptake for
practice and policy development. The survey results established a total of 13
components: four individual factors (support, experience, motivation & time factor); four organisational factors (research agenda, funding, resources & partnerships), and
five research characteristics factors (gatekeeping, local research committees,
accessibility of evidence, quality of evidence & critical appraisal skills). However, the
Spearman’s correlation coefficient revealed that of the 13 factors, only six factors had
a significant positive correlation with research uptake, namely: support, experience,
motivation, time factor, resources, and critical appraisal skills. Consequently, a model
for institutionalising research uptake is proposed. The roles of local research
committees have been clarified, and a logical framework has been incorporated with
pathways and channels of engagements to enable successful implementation of the
research uptake model.
