Intersectionality and knowledge translation interventions

Summary

The objective of this project was to support the use of an intersectional approach when designing and implementing knowledge translation (KT) interventions. Intersecting social factors (e.g., age, education, gender identity) can have significant impacts on KT projects. We defined an intersectional approach as a way of thinking that considers the combined effect of social factors for individuals implementing or receiving a KT intervention.

The main goal was to develop enhanced versions of KT frameworks and associated tools for three stages of KT, such as assessing barriers and facilitators, tailoring, and evaluation. The existing frameworks selected from enhancement corresponded with specific phases of the Knowledge-to-Action Framework. We reached consensus on the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to represent the identify the problem phase, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to represent the assess barriers/facilitators to knowledge use phase, and the Behaviour Change Wheel (including Theoretical Domains Framework) as an exemplar of the select, tailor, implement interventions phase. This work culminated in enhanced versions of these existing KT frameworks, supplemented to include an intersectional approach as well as a toolkit to support KT practitioners in adopting an intersectional approach to their projects and interventions.

Project resources

• Intersectionality guide
• Intersectionality guide 1-pager
• Reflection workbook
• Reflection workbook 1-pager
• Intersectionality & Knowledge Translation Guide to Common Approaches to Assessing Barriers and Facilitators to Knowledge Use
• Intersectionality & Knowledge Translation (KT) Selecting and Tailoring KT Interventions Workbook

Publications

• Journal article: Development and usability testing of tools to facilitate incorporating intersectionality in knowledge translation
• Journal article: ‘Doing’ or ‘using’ intersectionality? Opportunities and challenges in incorporating intersectionality into knowledge translation theory and practice
• Journal article: Applying an intersectionality lens to the theoretical domains framework: a tool for thinking about how intersecting social identities and structures of power influence behaviour
• Journal article: Developing the intersectionality supplemented Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and tools for intersectionality considerations
• Journal article: Selecting implementation models, theories, and frameworks in which to integrate intersectional approaches

Funder

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant (451190)