Dissemination: implementing the findings of research

There is an increasing interest in dissemination among researchers, policy makers and information scientists. Dissemination, in the context of health services, can be taken to mean the process of implementing the findings of research. Currently there is a considerable delay in the adoption of evidence on the effectiveness of interventions by professionals in the NHS and other health systems. The development of research designs such as randomized control trials, which can provide the most reliable information on the efficacy of interventions, is a crucial but partial step in the quest to place clinical practice on a more scientific basis. Systematic overviews of interventions bring together the relevant evidence to provide overall estimates of the effectiveness of health service interventions. However, there remains the difficulty of bringing them to the attention of health professionals in a manner which will enable them to improve the effectiveness of their clinical practice. The research evidence suggests that effective dissemination will depend upon using multiple means to communicate key messages rather than a single measure or 'magic bullet'. Information professionals have a role in ensuring the key research evidence is promoted, and that it is as reliable as possible.