Lessons from Research

Database Initiative

A review of methods and findings for

a practical pathway to translate

research-based evidence into action

By Jennifer Hill

Practicum Purpose

Explore the need for a “Lessons from

Research Database” to enhance Ipas’

organizational learning and translate

evidence into action.

Ipas Mission

To increase women’s ability to exercise their

sexual and reproductive rights, especially the

right to safe abortion.

To expand women’s access to comprehensive

abortion care, including contraception and

related reproductive health information and

care.

Ipas Focus Areas

• Health Systems

• Community Access

• Policy & Advocacy

• Research & Evaluation

Ipas Programs and Projects

350+ staff

Step 1: Literature Review

Literature Review

Knowledge

Better utilization of

research lessons

Technology

Technology

Better utilization of

research lessons

Knowledge

Process

People

Step 2: Internal Interviews

Key Findings

1. Ipas staff have a variety of information

needs.

2. Documentation and dissemination are

inconsistent.

3. A gap exists between dissemination and

utilization of research.

Why is there a gap?

Assess

Design

Implement Evaluate

Disseminate

Step 3: External Interviews

Key Findings

1. Have a dedicated staff

2. Require submissions to the database

3. Build time into staff’s workday to use it

Step 4:

Make Recommendations

Recommendations for moving

forward

People

Process Technology

Assess

Design

Implement Evaluate

Disseminate

Assign the task of facilitating lesson

utilization in future programs to R&E.

People: Closing the utilization gap

High/High High/Low

Low/High Low/Low

Rating (x)

Hits (y)

Process: Continuous quality

assessment

Ipas will be best served by multiple

retrieval methods.

Technology: Lesson retrieval

Lesson Learned

• “Outsider” status is rewarding and challenging.

• Documentation of process improvement for

organizational learning is scarce.

• Project titles matter…a lot.

Next Steps

• Piloting the content with a small group of

interested employees

• Presenting the results of the pilot in another

brown bag in January

Thank you!

• Kara Davies, Preceptor, Ipas

• Julia, Allie, Allison, Courtney, and Tracy, Ipas

• Beth Moracco and Meg Landfried, UNC