Using a Rapid Knowledge Translation Approach for Better Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Bangladesh,...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Public Health Policy
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Translating knowledge into policy and practice is crucial for sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), but existing methods are often rigid and not context-specific.
• Ineffective knowledge translation contributes to SRHR-related morbidity and mortality and hinders access to rights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a collaborative rapid improvement model for knowledge translation (CRIM-KT) to address child marriage and teenage pregnancies.
• To assess the effectiveness of CRIM-KT in improving SRHR policies and practices across diverse country contexts.

Main Methods:

• The CRIM-KT approach involved collaborative learning sessions and action periods over 18 months (September 2017–January 2019).
• A participatory action learning process and end evaluation, including documentation review, interviews, and focus groups, were used to assess the model's implementation and outcomes.

Main Results:

• CRIM-KT led to policy changes in Indonesia (child marriage prevention) and Jordan (national action plan).
• Practice changes were observed in Bangladesh (stakeholder collaboration) and Jordan.
• While Burundi saw no tangible policy/practice changes, all countries reported strengthened knowledge translation capacities.

Conclusions:

• The CRIM-KT model facilitated rapid improvements in SRHR policy and practice across different settings.
• Its success is attributed to its systematic, participatory, and adaptive nature, fostering stakeholder involvement and cross-learning.
• The CRIM-KT principles offer a transferable framework for enhancing knowledge translation in global health.