title: Knowledge exchange systems for youth health and chronic disease prevention: a tri-provincial case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The research teams undertook a case study design using a common analytical framework to investigate three provincial (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Manitoba) knowledge exchange systems. These three knowledge exchange systems seek to generate and enhance the use of evidence in policy development, program planning and evaluation to improve youth health and chronic disease prevention.
  
  
  METHODS
  We applied a case study design to explore the lessons learned, that is, key conditions or processes contributing to the development of knowledge exchange capacity, using a multi-data collection method to gain an in-depth understanding. Data management, synthesis and analysis activities were concurrent, iterative and ongoing. The lessons learned were organized into seven "clusters."
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key findings demonstrated that knowledge exchange is a complex process requiring champions, collaborative partnerships, regional readiness and the adaptation of knowledge exchange to diverse stakeholders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, knowledge exchange systems can increase the capacity to exchange and use evidence by moving beyond collecting and reporting data. Areas of influence included development of new partnerships, expanded knowledge-sharing activities, and refinement of policy and practice approaches related to youth health and chronic disease prevention.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. dmurnaghan@upei.ca
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Murnaghan
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Griffith
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Duffley
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McGarry
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manske
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003625:Data Collection; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D058436:Knowledge Management; D007857:Leadership; D008350:Manitoba; D009509:New Brunswick; D011050:Policy Making; D011325:Prince Edward Island; D016730:Program Development; D055818:Public-Private Sector Partnerships
keywords: chronic disease prevention; evidence to action; knowledge exchange; knowledge use; partnerships; surveillance; youth health