A structured approach to knowledge exchange: understanding the implementation of a cancer survivor program

The purpose of this research was to describe the application of a model of knowledge exchange, the Knowledge Exchange-Decision Support (KE-DS) Model, to the Canadian pilot of Cancer Transitions, a psychosocial program for cancer survivors.

We compared and contrasted the program planning and implementation processes across three diverse sites offering Cancer Transitions. The KE-DS Model guided the collection and analysis of observations and written data according to specific model components.

The use of the KE-DS Model highlighted four pertinent factors that influenced knowledge exchange during planning and implementation processes of this psychosocial program. First, the geographic diversity of where these programs were offered affected strategies for program promotion, recruitment and means of access. Second, the variation of the professional and organizational capacity of the three sites was critical to program planning and delivery. Third, cultural values and norms shaped each site's approach. Fourth, the KE-DS Model identified populations who were included and excluded from participation.

The KE-DS Model was useful in elucidating the processes of knowledge exchange during the planning and implementing of an intervention for survivor care. This process information will inform future offerings of Cancer Transitions.