Knowledge Translation for Zero-Dose Immunization Research

"Researchers can use these steps to guide their efforts to customize and disseminate findings to identified stakeholders and ensure that their findings are accessible, understandable, and usable to ultimately support informed decision-making and change policy and practices."

Knowledge translation (KT) is a systematic process of moving research findings into practical application so that knowledge is effectively communicated, adopted, and used. Effective KT for zero-dose (ZD) immunisation research requires early involvement of stakeholders to align research with policy needs and ensure research findings are relevant and promptly applied. The Zero-Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) designed this KT toolkit to support Country Learning Hubs (CLHs) in Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda in their efforts to effectively translate their ZD immunisation research findings into action. The toolkit provides an introduction to KT and outlines a step-by-step process for researchers to develop a KT plan, with guiding questions for each step and links to related tools and additional resources.

As ZDLH explains, the KT process involves setting clear goals, starting with understanding the scope of knowledge to be translated and identifying the primary beneficiaries. It requires defining specific, realistic objectives based on the type and needs of the stakeholders, establishing practical timelines, and formulating indicators to measure success.
 

• The action planning phase includes outlining methods, assigning responsibilities, allocating resources, and setting deadlines.
• The execution phase involves initiating KT methods, ensuring ongoing communication among team members, and tracking progress against timelines and metrics.
• The evaluation phase includes a post-implementation review to analyse feedback, outcomes, and reach. It requires measuring achievements against indicators and making necessary adjustments to the strategy based on data analysis. Documenting both quantitative and qualitative outcomes helps refine future KT efforts, ensuring continuous improvement in translating research into practice.

Sample recommendations to help guide the KT process for ZD immunisation research include:
 

• Perform a rapid capacity audit for KT to inform strategies - Diagnose organisational capacity for KT and builds on available infrastructure and expertise, while tailoring strategies to address limitations.
• Integrate KT planning from the research inception - Seek buy-in from stakeholders, and capitalise on emerging insights.
• Engage intended stakeholders/audiences throughout the evidence generation process - Drive relevance, applicability, and shared ownership of emerging findings.
• Implement co-creation and participatory processes - Foster a culture that values active listening, encourages engagement with diverse viewpoints, and supports questioning, feedback, and experimentation. This approach underpins the development of a shared vision for collective progress and innovation.
• Tailor methods and communications materials to the audience(s) - Contribute to the effectiveness and impact of KT efforts.
• Leverage informal networks and create continuous learning opportunities to translate evidence - Tap into peer learning and try new ideas.
• Capture user feedback systematically on value and use - Demonstrate the value and use of the translated knowledge.
• Monitor changes in policies and practices beyond dissemination metrics - Facilitate evidence uptake and measurable improvements from application.
• Share experiences - Encourage learning from real-world examples of how evidence-based practices have been adapted and implemented, which can inform efforts to tailor interventions to unique settings, fostering innovation and problem-solving.

Contents include:
 

• Acronyms
• Executive Summary
• Recommendations to Support KT of Evidence to Identify and Reach ZD Children
• Introduction
• Planning for Effective KT: Steps and Guiding Questions
• Identifying Key Audiences
• Opportunities for Packaging and Disseminating Research Findings [e.g., co-creation, syntheses, events and media engagement, data reviews, online engagement, community engagement]
• Considerations: Developing Communications Products [including considerations for engaging lower-literacy populations]
• Evaluating Knowledge Translation Outcomes
• Additional Resources & Tools
• References
• Annex 1. Public Health Evidence, Guidance, and Tools to Address the Know-Do Gap
• Annex 2. The Learning-Transfer Evaluation Model
• Annex 3. ZDLH-X Peer Exchange as a KT Model