What Decision Makers Want from Researchers
Author Information
Author(s): Maureen Dobbins, Peter Rosenbaum, Nancy Plews, Mary Law, Adam Fysh
Primary Institution: McMaster University
Hypothesis
What are the information needs of decision-makers in community-based organizations regarding research-based information?
Conclusion
Decision-makers in community-based organizations have specific preferences for receiving research information and face various barriers to its use.
Supporting Evidence
- Decision-makers prefer receiving information through websites, health-related journals, and emails.
- Barriers to research use include lack of time and access to current research.
- CTCs reported greater use of research evidence in planning decisions compared to CCACs.
Takeaway
People who make decisions about health services want easy-to-understand research information, but they often find it hard to access and use.
Methodology
A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted with decision-makers from three types of organizations, using descriptive statistics and ANOVA for analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-selection of participants and reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported measures, which may overestimate research use.
Participant Demographics
Participants included decision-makers from Children's Treatment Centres, Community Care Access Centres, and District Health Councils, with a majority aged 40-59 and holding master's degrees.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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