Beyond dissemination: Assessing receptor capacity to use research in health systems and policy

Generally, knowledge translation processes focus on dissemination strategies, assuming that health services and policy will change if good research/evidence is properly communicated. Researchers are often unaware of the challenging environmental conditions in which decision makers are expected to make health system and policy changes as a result of evidence. Implementation of research is a complex process wherein people need to embrace and understand the ideas, but also need to figure out what it will take to integrate research findings into existing policies and structures. Under-resourced health systems, in particular, have poor receptor capacity for new information. Potentially, we are increasing the health and social gradient as we provide more and more evidence without incorporating it into policy and practices. The purpose of this project is to design and test a protocol (tool and process) for examining the research receptor capacity of health services and policy settings.