Taking an integrated knowledge translation approach in research to develop the CONSORT-Equity 2017 reporting guideline: an observational study. Issue 7 (30th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jull, Janet; Graham, Ian D; Kristjansson, Elizabeth; Moher, David; Petkovic, Jennifer; Yoganathan, Manosila; Tugwell, Peter; Welch, Vivian A
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 9:Issue 7(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07-30
• Subjects: health equity -- reporting guidelines -- consort -- integrated knowledge translation -- collaborative research -- research co-creation; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026866
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: We describe the use of an integrated knowledge translation (KT) approach in the development of the CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials extension for equity ('CONSORT-Equity 2017'), and advisory board-research team members' ('the team') perceptions of the integrated KT process. Design: This is an observational study to describe team processes and experience with a structured integrated KT approach to develop CONSORT-Equity 2017. Participant observation to describe team processes and a survey were used with the 38 team members. Setting: Use of the CONSORT health research reporting guideline contributes to an evidence base for health systems decision-making, and CONSORT-Equity 2017 may improve reporting about health equity-relevant evidence. An integrated KT research approach engages knowledge users (those for whom the research is meant to be useful) with researchers to co-develop research evidence and is more likely to produce findings that are applied in practice or policy. Participants: Researchers adopted an integrated KT approach and invited knowledge users to form a team. Results: An integrated KT approach was used in the development of CONSORT-Equity 2017 and structured replicable steps. The process for co-developing the reporting guideline involved two stages: (1) establishing guiding features for co-development and (2) research actions that supported the co-development of the reporting guideline. Stage 1 consisted of four steps: finding common ground, forming an advisory board, committing to ethical guidance and clarifying theoretical research assumptions. Bound by the stage 1 guiding features of an integrated KT approach, stage 2 consisted of five steps during which studies for consensus-based reporting guidelines were conducted. Of 38 team members, 25 (67.5%) completed a survey about their perceptions of the integrated KT approach. Conclusions: An integrated KT approach can be used to engage a team to co-develop reporting guidelines. Further study is needed to understand the use of an integrated KT approach in the development of reporting guidelines.