The research findings obtained from the implemented and evaluated interventions should be disseminated whether these findings are similar to the expected outcomes of the researchers. The dissemination of information and publication of research findings are considered as important steps in the research process because it allows not only replication but also application of the findings with positive results to other population groups (Forsyth, et al., 2010). According to Matchar, et al. (2005), the dissemination of research findings can be considered as the best method to maximize the use and benefits of these information since the obtained information can greatly contribute not only to the quality but also to the outcomes of other researches which involves interventions of high risk groups.
The dissemination of the research findings of the interventions planned is critical because there can be barriers that should be considered. Some of these barriers include differences when it comes to the traditional and cultural practices of individuals and other professionals, inadequate and lack of expertise in the research field, poor verbal skills, and lack of resources. These factors should be addressed first to ensure that there is proper and efficient utilization and publication of research findings (Hanrahan, et al., 2010).
The dissemination of research findings through publishing of the intervention along with the evaluation data on health care journals which focus on population health is one of the most common methods of information dissemination. Since the intervention focuses on a particular high risk population, it will be logical to report and publish the findings on a population health journal. Aside from publication, the creation of posters and flyers can also be utilized. Flyers and posters can be utilized to share information to other health professionals during conferences and seminars. Moreover, the findings of the intervention study and evaluation can be submitted to the committee of Healthy People 2020. The mentioned committee aims to obtain information from various health providers to help in the development of innovative, effective, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable interventions and programs to address specific health indicators (Wilson, et al., 2010).
Aside from information dissemination through publications, posters, flyers, and word of mouth, the findings of the research can also be used to collaborate with other health professionals and health organizations which focus on studying high risk populations especially the home-bound elderly individuals. The most important organization and health institutions to collaborate with are nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics which are establishments that commonly accommodate homebound elderly patients. Since the interventions implemented involve homebound elderly individuals, it is also important to be able to share the information to elderly patients, their relatives, and even the health care professionals specializing on geriatrics.
Interprofessional collaboration should be encouraged because it is an avenue for professionals to brainstorm and share their opinions and perspectives. Collaboration with other health professionals is undeniably useful because it is an event where professionals who have conducted similar researches to come together and discuss their interventions. More importantly, it is an opportunity for the development of more innovative and effective interventions which can greatly help in the improvement of the health status of individuals. Additionally, since elderly individuals are considered as high risk individuals due to their vulnerability, the publication of different intervention plans and strategies is important because it helps increase the number of studies on homebound elderly individuals which can also help the researchers who plan to pursue a research focused on elderly individuals confined to their homes (Naylor, 2011; Canadian Nurses Association, 2011).
References
Canadian Nurses Association. (2011). Interprofessional Collaboration. Ontario: Author.
Forsyth, D.N., Wright, T.L., Scherb, C.A., and Gaspar, P.M. (2010). Disseminating Evidence-Based Practice Projects: Poster Design and Evaluation. Clinical Scholars Review 3(1): 14-21.
Hanrahan, K., Marlow, K.L., Aldrich, C., and Hiatt, A.M. (2010). Dissemination of Nursing Knowledge: Tips and Resources. The University of Iowa, College of Nursing: 1-20.
Matchar, D.B., Westermann-Clark, E.V., McCrory, D.C., Patwardhan, M., Samsa, G., Kulasingam, S., et al. (2005). Dissemination of evidence-based practice center reports. Annals of Internal Medicine 142(12): S1120-S1125.
Naylor, M.D. (2011). Viewpoint: Interprofessional collaboration and the future of health care. American Nurse Today 6(6).
Wilson, P.M., Petticrew, M., Calnan, M.W., and Nazareth, I. (2010). Disseminating research findings: what should researchers do? A systematic scoping review of conceptual frameworks. Implementation Science 5 (91).
