title: Supporting collaborative use of the Diabetes Population Risk Tool (DPoRT) in health-related practice: a multiple case study research protocol.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Health policy makers have stated that diabetes prevention is a priority; however, the type, intensity, and target of interventions or policy changes that will achieve the greatest impact remains uncertain. In response to this uncertainty, the Diabetes Population Risk Tool (DPoRT) was developed and validated to estimate future diabetes risk based on routinely collected population data. To facilitate use of DPoRT, we partnered with regional and provincial health-related decision makers in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. Primary objectives include: i) evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships between the research team and DPoRT users; ii) explore strategies that facilitate uptake and overcome barriers to DPoRT use; and iii) implement and evaluate the knowledge translation approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  This protocol reflects an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach and corresponds to the action phase of the Knowledge-to-Action (KtoA) framework. Our IKT approach includes: employing a knowledge brokering team to facilitate relationships with DPoRT users (objective 1); tailored training for DPoRT users; assessment of barriers and facilitators to DPoRT use; and customized dissemination strategies to present DPoRT outputs to decision maker audiences (objective 2). Finally, a utilization-focused evaluation will assess the effectiveness and impact of the proposed KtoA process for DPoRT application (objective 3). This research design utilizes a multiple case study approach. Units of analyses consist of two public health units, one provincial health organization, and one provincial knowledge dissemination team whereby we will connect with multiple regional health authorities. Evaluation will be based on analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data collected from passive (e.g., observer notes) and active (e.g., surveys and interviews) methods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DPoRT offers an innovative way to make routinely collected population health data practical and meaningful for diabetes prevention planning and decision making. Importantly, we will evaluate the utility of the KtoA cycle for a novel purpose - the application of a tool. Additionally, we will evaluate this approach in multiple diverse settings, thus considering contextual factors. This research will offer insights into how knowledge translation strategies can support the use of population-based risk assessment tools to promote informed decision making in health-related settings.
authors.affiliation: Public Health Ontario, Santé publique Ontario, 480 University Avenue, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5G 1V2, Canada. laura.rosella@oahpp.ca.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rosella
authors.forename: Leslea
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Peirson
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bornbaum
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kotnowski
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lebenbaum
authors.forename: Randy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fransoo
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martens
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Caetano
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ens
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mowat
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003210:Concept Formation; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation