Disseminating research results-the challenge of bridging the gap between health research and health action

Dissemination is now acknowledged as an important component of the research process. A Scottish-based project has researched theoretical and practical aspects of dissemination for health promotion research. This project included: a literature review, annotated bibliography, guideline document and a series of workshops in Scotland. Dissemination is about the communication of innovation, this being either a planned and systematic process or a passive, unplanned diffusion process. The utilization of research findings in policy or practice is in many instances a subtle and indirect process. Effective communication is an important aspect of dissemination. However, because the audience for health promotion research is heterogeneous, dissemination has to meet the various requirements of different users. There are many barriers to effective communication between researchers and users. These include: career structures, institutional barriers, ownership issues, barriers relating to the protracted process of publishing in academic journals, technical barriers and problems related to secrecy and lack of trust. Enhancing dialogue between researchers and users, developing new contacts and networks, the creation of Research Liaison Officers and developing effective dissemination strategies can bridge the communication gap. The current contract culture in which health promotion research is commissioned could result in a more controlled and limited dissemination stage. It is argued that researchers have a duty to share new knowledge with a wider audience including the general public. Effective dissemination requires an active and systematic approach which is adequately resourced throughout.