Diffusion theory and knowledge dissemination, utilization and integration

Diffusion theory and knowledge dissemination, utilization and integration Lawrence W. Green University of California at San Francisco, Judith M. Ottoson San Francisco State University, César García Central Washington University, Robert A. Hiatt University of California at San Francisco, Maria L. Roditis University of California at San Francisco, Follow this and additional works at: Part of the Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, and the Health Services Research Commons This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Center for Public Health Systems and Services Research at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact . Recommended Citation Green LW, Ottoson JM, García C, Hiatt RA, Roditis ML. Diffusion theory and knowledge dissemination, utilization and integration. Front Public Health Serv Syst Res 2014; 3(1). DOI: 10.13023/FPHSSR.0301.03 Diffusion theory and knowledge dissemination, utilization and integration ABSTRACT Part of the Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Health Services Research Commons, and the Public Health Education and Promotion Commons Many accomplishments of public health have been distributed unevenly among populations. This article reviews the concepts of applying evidence-based practice in public health in the face of the varied cultures and circumstances of practice in these varied populations. Key components of EBPH include: making decisions based on the best available scientific evidence, using data and information systems systematically, applying program planning frameworks, engaging the community and practitioners in decision making, conducting sound evaluation, and disseminating what is learned. The usual application of these principles has overemphasized the scientific evidence as the starting point, whereas this review suggests engaging the community and practitioners as an equally important starting point to assess their needs, assets and circumstances, which can be facilitated with program planning frameworks and use of local assessment and surveillance data