The README checklist

To enhance the dissemination of health research findings we present an evidence-based, purpose designed checklist. The README checklist encompasses nine communication methods by which to translate knowledge; that is, research reports, posters, healthcare industry and academic presentations, peer-reviewed articles, pitches, podcasts, webinars and infographics (online supplemental table 1). These nine communication methods present similar information from projects in different ways; hence there is some similarity in structure and main questions across different communication methods.

The checklist is to be used by first identifying the main audience or stakeholders and the primary focus or outcome the researchers are seeking to achieve. This means that the research team can decide on the communication medium/s most appropriate for their goals. This decision then determines the structure of the communication method and the associated questions that need to be considered in developing the dissemination output.

Each communication method is described, along with the main target audience or stakeholders, the primary focus or outcomes, structure and main questions addressed. These criteria allow us to assess and categorise the different communication methods, focusing on who the audience is, what a specific medium can achieve, and providing the structure and key questions to be addressed in the presentation of findings. We include both traditional communication methods, such as peer reviewed journal articles, reports and presentations, and evolving communication methods, such as webinars, podcasts and infographics. Evolving communication methods are being increasingly recognised as important for the dissemination and uptake of research.28 29

Research report

The research report is the most traditional, or formal, of communication methods, with its purpose and structure established in academia. The research report’s primary audience is academic and knowledgeable healthcare professionals. These reports are extended documents, with the length varying from an ‘organisational report’ ranging from 20 000 words, to a ‘thesis’ of up to 100 000 words. The primary purpose is to communicate the study’s theoretical contribution, implications and rigour. Ensuring consistency between the components, building a logical evidence trail and transparency in reporting30 are central qualities of the research report.

Fundamental to the diffusion of report findings are the presentation and writing conventions appropriate for a formal report, including headings, page numbers, graphics, figures, tables, references, using technically appropriate language, and style. Auxiliary materials, such as appendices, provide supplementary evidence through the inclusion of data collection tools and additional analyses. A research report has been a source of information to develop academic posters, presentations and manuscripts.10

Poster

A poster contains a textual or graphical summary of a research project.31 It can be in an electronic or hard copy form, and is displayed at an academic or sector research conference.32 To effectively disseminate research, posters are designed according to the thematic focus and requirements of the target conference. There is an argument that they should be developed in consideration of the interests and preferences of audiences. There is evidence that nurses, for example, may prefer designs which convey complex information in an aesthetically appealing way.33 Conversely, doctors show preference for posters which convey complex information in a critical text-based format.33

Posters can be accompanied by a presentation to aid discussion among researchers and research users,32 and facilitate opportunities for professional networking.31 Audiences tend to be smaller groups, as at conferences many posters are presented at the same time in a shared space. The ordering of text and graphics is important, with clarity and structure for readers to easily understand. Demonstrating the stages of research, including the introduction, methods, findings and recommendations is required.

Healthcare industry presentation

Presentations to the healthcare sector are given by practitioners and academics to facilitate translational research and evidence-based practices.34 35 Effective presentations succinctly state the research aim, with unbiased reporting of findings that have relevance to practice.36 These presentations allow targeted messaging throughout the stages of knowledge translation,37 and can occur via face-to-face or electronic means. Localised settings are used, such as open forums and research showcases, or more restricted private settings, including meetings with a service or leadership team. Engaging presentations require an appropriate mix of software (ie, PowerPoint or Prezi), colour, animation and images.

Criteria for an effective presentation vary with the types and interests of the audience. For example, if the audience is health professionals, the presentation pitches the relevance of the research findings to practitioner’s day-to-day work and, accordingly, the presentation focuses on components of results and organisational implications. Identifying the key messages for the audience is critical to focus the talk appropriately and not overwhelm participants. Additionally, allowing time for clarification and questions enhances engagement and translation of ideas and messages.

Academic presentation

An academic presentation is a method of spreading research at local, national or international events. Presentations showcase current or emerging projects, practice challenges or finalised research.38 They can be used to encourage collaboration between research teams, or to define research territory.

Delivered in-person at a conference, as a talk, seminar or workshop, presentations vary in length from short talks—15–20 min, to longer events—60–90 min for seminars, workshops or keynote addresses. Presentations can also be made online, as webinars39 or podcasts. Regardless of format, presentations need to follow ethical conventions, particularly with explicit acknowledgement of all sources of information and images.

Presentations are typically accompanied by multiple images, such as a slideshow, to guide the audience through the talk or discussion. In a talk or keynote address, the interaction between the speaker and audience is confined to a question and answer session following the presentation.40 In a seminar or workshop the format can be flexible, integrating and alternating between material presented, questions and discussion.

Peer-reviewed journal article

Publication through peer-reviewed journals is a formal mechanism for academics to disseminate conceptual and empirical knowledge.41 The benefits of peer-review are that the written material is assessed by other experts in the field, to ensure transparency in validity, rigour, credibility and reliability of findings.42 Journals provide detailed guidelines to authors to assist their manuscript preparation, and for publication these must be strictly followed. Depending on the discipline and manuscript type, articles may vary in length from 1000 to 8000 words. International consortia have established standardised peer-review guidelines to improve the quality of research reporting. These guidelines vary according to the study design; examples include CONSORT, PRISMA and STROBE.22

Conventions of academic writing style must be adhered to, including use of evidence to support arguments and an acknowledgement of sources. When reporting findings these must be clearly communicated in the accepted convention for the discipline, providing evidence through tables, graphs, figures and quotes.

Elevator pitch

The elevator pitch, when conducted effectively, is an engaging and concise means of explaining, or ‘selling’ ideas within 30–180 s.43 Originating in business and marketing, the elevator pitch explains an idea or project to a target audience, with the aim of attracting interest, participation and, possibly, financial support. The audience is limited to those selected by the ‘pitcher’ as potential providers of the desired support. Pitches are effectively used as an invitation to a conversation to learn more about a project.43

As a form of research dissemination, the elevator pitch has been reinvented as the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) university competition,44–46 and is similar to a poster presentation. The format uses a single slide to focus the audience on the topic, as the presenter finds imaginative ways to inform and entertain the audience about their research. The 3MT format is used to train early career researchers and students to concisely communicate the importance of their work to a non-specialist audience, including healthcare partners.46 Audiences are present in-person and online, as high-quality 3MT presentations can be recorded and displayed on the university website44 to showcase students’ talent beyond their institution.

Podcast

A podcast is a contemporary and now a well-accepted communication method. Podcasts usually involve one form of media; that is, audio. Moreover, podcasts and webinars are used to educate academics, healthcare providers and patients.47 Typically, the length of podcasts are 30–40 min. Podcasts are highly portable and accessible44 through different electronic media platforms, including iTunes, Google Play or webpages and networked/computer operating systems. Podcasts are typically audio files, easily downloadable to allow audiences to listen to from personal devices in their own time. They are generally listened to individually and may reach a large audience over time.

Webinar

Webinars are interactive presentations, seminars, lectures or workshops held over the internet in real time, with recordings able to be viewed post event.48 Webinars combine audio and visual media. Similar to podcasts, webinars can be used to reach multiple stakeholders for education purposes. Webinars require multi-media features that facilitate engagement and interaction, including question and answer, presenting pictures and graphs, sharing resources and adding notes. Webinars can be upwards of 60 min in length. The interactive nature of webinars enables a two-way dialogue with multiple people at the same time, promoting interaction and relationship building.

Infographics

Infographics, also a contemporary communication method, combine text and images to depict information in a highly engaging format.49 They are a means to communicate complex, detailed information in a clear, succinct and visual manner. A mix of text, figures, tables and pictures, linked with arrows and colour coordinated, can produce a highly engaging and compelling visual presentation. Accordingly, infographics present information in a form that is quickly processed and understood, effectively enabling the transfer of knowledge. As an outcome the audience is prompted to seek out further information about the research project.

Infographics promote several advantages for research dissemination in organisational environments. They are easy to comprehend when compared with traditional, text-based formats, as less cognitive load is required to process visually-descriptive information.50 Many stakeholders, both professional and community members, can have little time to read the vast amount of published literature in their field, specialty or area of interest.51 52 A well designed infographic overcomes both these challenges.