Grant: Planning Grants - Priority Announcement: International Research Collaborations

There is a strong need for greater international collaboration among researchers and knowledge users. This proposal represents a unique opportunity to bring together Canadian and foreign experts in knowledge synthesis; the meeting will strengthen international partnerships and lead to new methodological initiatives and collaborations. Background: Methods for knowledge syntheses of health and social interventions are complicated when interventions are simple. They become even more complicated as interventions become more complex. Frameworks However, these frameworks focus on primary evaluation rather than synthesis. Syntheses, rather than individual studies, should be the unit of knowledge for knowledge translation. Yet guidance on methods for synthesizing complex interventions is not well-developed. This gap will be explored through a three-day meeting to be held in Ottawa, Canada (2011/06; to be confirmed). Objectives: To bring world experts together to discuss the methodological issues that arise when synthesizing evidence about the effects of complex interventions. Collaborations with international researchers from Europe, North America, and Australia will be developed. Participants will form teams on specific methodological initiatives around complex interventions and health. These discussions will provide guidance and leadership for policy makers and researchers. Rationale: By holding the meeting in Ottawa, we can engage with leading Canadian researchers and build new international research collaborations with foreign collaborators. The agenda for the meeting will address challenges that arise in systematic reviews, with three themes: Health Systems, Public Health, and Chronic Diseases (with rheumatology and diabetes as exemplars). For small group work, participants will come together according to their expertise in these areas to allow for in-depth discussions and partnership development.