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ObjectivesResearchers at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) carried out knowledge translation (KT) activities to support policy-makers as the Kenyan Government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the usefulness of these activities to identify the facilitators and barriers to KT and suggest actions that facilitate KT in similar settings.DesignThe study adopted a qualitative interview study design.Setting and participantsResearchers at KWTRP in Kenya who were involved in KT activities during the COVID-19 pandemic (n=6) were selected to participate in key informant interviews to describe their experience. In addition, the policy-makers with whom these researchers engaged were invited to participate (n=11). Data were collected from March 2021 to August 2021.AnalysisA thematic analysis approach was adopted using a predetermined framework to develop a coding structure consisting of the core thematic areas. Any other theme that emerged in the coding process was included.ResultsBoth groups reported that the KT activities increased evidence availability and accessibility, enhanced policy-makers' motivation to use evidence, improved capacity to use research evidence and strengthened relationships. Policy-makers shared that a key facilitator of this was the knowledge products shared and the regular interaction with researchers. Both groups mentioned that a key barrier was the timeliness of generating evidence, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. They felt it was important to institutionalise KT to improve readiness to respond to public health emergencies.ConclusionThis study provides a real-world example of the use of KT during a public health crisis. It further highlights the need to institutionalise KT in research and policy institutions in African countries to respond readily to public health emergencies.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059501

Type

Journal

BMJ open

Publication Date

06/2022

Volume

12

Addresses

Policy Engagement & Knowledge Translation Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya fguleid@kemri-wellcome.org.

Keywords

Humans, Emergencies, Qualitative Research, Kenya, Policy, Pandemics, COVID-19, Translational Science, Biomedical