Translational Needs: Informing Tools to Close the Knowledge-to-Practice Gap in Suicide Prevention.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Translational Science

Background:

• Suicide is a significant global health issue, with research-to-practice translation delays hindering effective interventions.
• Effective communication of suicide prevention research findings is crucial for timely implementation and improved patient outcomes.
• Understanding stakeholder needs is vital for developing accessible and valuable translational tools in suicide prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the translational needs of Australian suicide prevention stakeholders.
• To identify optimal formats for disseminating suicide prevention research findings.
• To inform the development of tools that support the meaningful translation of research into practice.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted.
• 93 participants from the Australian mental health and suicide prevention sector completed the survey.
• The survey assessed current knowledge consumption habits and preferences for research dissemination.

Main Results:

• Stakeholders expressed confidence in accessing resources to enhance their knowledge.
• Existing research evidence was recognized as influential in their work.
• Traditional platforms like conferences and journals, alongside lived experience-informed research, were highly valued.

Conclusions:

• Translational tools should leverage traditional methods like webinars and eNewsletters.
• Incorporating lived experience knowledge and expertise is essential for effective tools.
• Plain language summaries and preferred dissemination formats can reduce the knowledge-to-practice gap.