Dissemination and utilization of health promotion and disease prevention knowledge: theory, research and experience

We review the theoretical and research foundations of knowledge dissemination and utilization. We examine first the features that describe the typical pattern of the spread and adoption of ideas in populations. A second level of theory examines the forces that explain and predict the diffusion of health promotion and disease prevention knowledge and innovations in two spheres, the public sphere and te professional sphere. A third level of theory produces models to guide the planning and evaluation of dissemination efforts and advocacy for policies to support the application of knowledge. We trace major research traditions through the literature of various disciplines of professions that have studied diffusion. We then outline some key issues related to knowledge dissemination and utilization in the fields of health promotion and disease prevention.