Grant: Knowledge Synthesis Grant

Understanding which characteristics of health services interventions most influence the effectiveness of these interventions is useful for health professionals. It allows them to ensure that the interventions they provide incorporate some or all of these characteristics. This synthesis focuses on interventions that seek to improve health behaviours in people with heart disease. This is vital for the future of Canada's health system because heart disease is the country's biggest cause of death and disability. In particular, it aims to identify what interventions characteristics are associated with better outcomes. To do this we will use a taxonomy (INSPECT) we have developed and systematic review methodology (meta-analysis). We will search for published trials of different kinds of interventions - such as those provided in hospitals, homes or community settings. We will then classify the characteristics using our taxonomy. Where needed we will survey paper authors to find out what the characteristics are of interventions they have evaluated. This will help us identify which characteristics are linked to better outcomes. We will then disseminate this knowledge across Canada to program providers from different health disciplines via a variety of means, including workshops, YouTube videos, presentations and summaries. We will harness influential knowledge users on the team to do this.