Building for Success: Mental Health Research With an Integrated Knowledge Translation Approach

Abstract

Integrated knowledge translation approaches are one way to facilitate knowledge exchange and support the use of research in practice. This paper explores the elements of an integrated knowledge translation approach using the Systems Enhancement Evaluation Initiative (SEEI) as a case study. SEEI was a 4-year project (2005-2009) that explored the impacts of new funding in Ontario's community mental health system. Here, we describe the process, relationships, and challenges of this collaborative research initiative using a building analogy: getting the right people to do the work, designing the architectural blueprints, establishing the structure, and coordinating all facets of the project. We pay particular attention to the associated constraints and benefits when conducting a large-scale multisite evaluation.