The landscape of knowledge translation interventions in cancer control: What do we know and where to next? A review of systematic reviews

• Main Authors: Brouwers Melissa C, Garcia Kimberly, Makarski Julie, Daraz Lubna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-12-01
• Series: Implementation Science
• Online Access: http://www.implementationscience.com/content/6/1/130

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Effective implementation strategies are needed to optimize advancements in the fields of cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. We conducted a review of systematic reviews to better understand the evidentiary base of implementation strategies in cancer control.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using three databases, we conducted a search and identified English-language systematic reviews published between 2005 and 2010 that targeted consumer, professional, organizational, regulatory, or financial interventions, tested exclusively or partially in a cancer context (primary focus); generic or non-cancer-specific reviews were also considered. Data were extracted, appraised, and analyzed by members of the research team, and research ideas to advance the field were proposed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty-four systematic reviews providing 41 summaries of evidence on 19 unique interventions comprised the evidence base. AMSTAR quality ratings ranged between 2 and 10. Team members rated most of the interventions as promising and in need of further research, and 64 research ideas were identified.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>While many interventions show promise of effectiveness in the cancer-control context, few reviews were able to conclude definitively in favor of or against a specific intervention. We discuss the complexity of implementation research and offer suggestions to advance the science in this area.</p>