How knowledge translation interventions involving health policy decision makers are evaluated: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND

Knowledge translation (KT) interventions support the use of research evidence in health policymaking but vary substantially in form, complexity and evaluation. There is no comprehensive synthesis of how KT interventions involving health policy decision makers are evaluated across intervention types and policy contexts.

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aims to map and describe how KT interventions involving health policy decision makers are evaluated. It will identify evaluation approaches, designs and methods; describe theories, frameworks, programme logics and rationales informing evaluation choices; examine how evaluation characteristics vary by intervention type, complexity, intended outcomes, policy context and evaluation use; and identify gaps in evaluative coverage.

METHODS

This review will be conducted in accordance with established scoping review guidance and reported using PRISMA-ScR. Eligibility will be structured using the Population-Concept-Context framework. Studies published in English from 2000 onwards that empirically evaluate a KT intervention involving or directed towards health policy decision makers will be eligible. Evaluation characteristics will be examined using descriptive numerical mapping, Lemire's Evaluation Metro Map as an organising and communication tool, and structured qualitative content analysis. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool will provide supplementary methodological context. The review will characterise evaluation practice rather than estimate intervention effectiveness or rank studies.

DISSEMINATION: Findings will be published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through conference presentations and plain-language summaries for academic and policy audiences.