Effectiveness of knowledge translation of social interventions across economic boundaries: a systematic review

Abstract

There is increasing evidence to suggest that the application of knowledge in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is failing, that a gap exists between what is known from research and what is done to apply it. Despite widespread agreement that the application of evidence is needed, there are few published studies of how to effectively translate knowledge of social interventions, particularly those aimed at improving outcomes for mental health populations. To address this gap we assessed knowledge translation of social interventions for adults with mental health problems across economic boundaries using a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature. This review aimed to identify the extent of translational research available and to explore the effectiveness of different strategies and interventions. Studies were included if they translated knowledge between richer and poorer countries and reported a social component (as opposed to purely health) which aimed to improve social outcomes for adults with mental health problems. Our findings provide evidence for the successful translation of locally adapted social interventions to LMIC, though the specific knowledge translation mechanisms varied greatly. With only 23 studies meeting inclusion criteria for this review, further investigation is needed to ascertain the conditions surrounding knowledge translation of social interventions globally.

Keywords:

• community work/social development
• evidence-based
• international social work
• mental health
• participation/citizenship

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Corrigendum

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Meredith Newlin is a researcher in the International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York; and based in the Social Care Workforce Research Unit, Department of Social Science and Public Policy at King's College London, London, UK.

Martin Webber is an Anniversary Reader in Social Work, Senior Fellow, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Social Care Research, and Director of the International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York, UK.