Knowledge exchange--translating research into practice and policy

Substantial differences in population-based cancer control outcomes exist within and between nations. Optimal outcomes derive from 'what we know', 'what we apply in practice', and 'how complete and compliant is the population uptake of public health and clinical practice change'. This continuum of research (scientific discovery) to practice (application and uptake) to policy impacts the speed and completeness of practice change and is greatly influenced by the ability, opportunity and readiness of countries to implement evidence informed practices and policies through innovative change. Session 4 of the 4th International Cancer Control Congress focused on knowledge exchange through three plenary presentations and five interactive workshop discussions: 1) the role of epidemiological data as a basis for policy formulation; 2) existing global frameworks for cancer control; 3) knowledge exchange as it relates to public health practice and policy; 4) knowledge exchange in relation to primary, community, and specialist cancer care; and 5) the role of public engagement and advocacy in influencing cancer control policy. Common themes emerging from workshop discussions included the recognition of the importance of knowledge exchange processes, constituents and forums as key aspects of preparedness, awareness and readiness to implement public health and clinical practice change. The importance of cultural and contextual differences between nations was identified as a challenge requiring development of tools for generating relevant population/societal data (e.g., projection methodologies applied to population demographics, outcomes and resources, both societal, human and fiscal) and capacity building for facilitating knowledge transfer and exchange between the constituencies engaged in population-based public health practice and clinically based primary care and disease specialty practice exchange (researchers, health practitioners, health administrators, politicians, patients and families, and the private and public sectors). Understanding patient and public engagement advocacy and its role in influencing health and public policy investment priorities emerged as a critical and fundamental aspect of successful implementation of evidence-informed cancer control change.