Which communication strategies and platforms would you use to disseminate knowledge?

The message that needs to be shared among the stakeholders varies and so also the communication strategies and platforms that need to be used. For the AYA population, it is essential to share the messages in a platform this population is used to including social media, web platforms, through stories and cartoons for the younger audience, using mobile apps, and any other modes that would reach them and inspire them to act (AHRQ, 2014). We will create brochures and training materials to connect them to the resources. Developing a mobile app to send targeted reminders of care and follow up visits and the proven success of this intervention will be discussed with all stakeholders. When we are presenting the research and the findings of the evaluation of the program to SHC and the program administrators, we would be using a meeting format and a formal agenda to focus on quantitative summary, and a qualitative assessment. We will use tables and graphs to present the data. We will use narratives including story telling and idea boards to present and discuss the qualitative factors and recommendations. We will also present the cost-effectiveness of the program, request continuing resources for program continuance, and also draw attention to the good this brings to the community.

Why is it important to share this information with stakeholders and the community?

Ineffective dissemination leads to the gap between discovery of public health knowledge about the programs and its application in practical settings. Policy development lags due this gap (Brownson, Eyler, Harris, Moore, & Tabak, 2018). Stakeholder perception of awareness, using evidence based interventions, and using appropriate dissemination channels, leads to effective public policy.

For AYA population, family members, and community leaders play a key role in ensuring that their long-term follow up care is optimal. The opinion of such community leaders and parents have a significant impact on the minds of the AYA patients. Presenting in a conference or publishing in a medical journal is not going to reach this target audience. Interest groups, blogs, YouTube and other such media will ensure that the message is received. It is important to share the information relating to the success of this program that leads to continued follow up and less lost-to-follow up cases as it has a direct relation to their health and wellbeing. Community is an active partner which provides volunteers, and social support for the patients to handle this life changing disease.

Funding such programs can also come from philanthropy. It is essential to disseminate this information to increase awareness of the programs and share information of the program reach and benefits to such philanthropies (RHI Hub, 2022). This is especially important for rural organizations where funding is limited.

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2014). Dissemination planning tool. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/resources/advances/vol4/planning.html

Brownson, R.C., Eyler, A.A., Harris, J.K., Moore, J.B., & Tabak, R.G. (2018). Getting the word out: New approaches for disseminating public health science. Journal of Public Health Management Practice; 24(2): 102-111. http://doi:10.1097/PHH.0000000000000673

Rural Health Information Hub. (2022). Dissemination strategies for rural programs partnering with philanthropies. Retrieved from https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/philanthr…