Online research to guide knowledge management planning

Abstract

The current paper describes the process and results of an effort to find a way to effectively manage and diffuse prevention knowledge. This study shows the role that today's communication technologies can play in ensuring collaboration and participation in both the design and use of a knowledge management system (KMS) for prevention research, practice and policy. In the context of this study, `prevention research' includes primary through tertiary prevention efforts consistent with general applied public health research in the US. An online Delphi study was used to engage a set of prevention research constituencies in the design of a mechanism to enhance the potential for effective technology transfer. A three-round Delphi was conducted with 58 stakeholders and key informants involved in prevention: government-level policy makers, researchers and front-line practitioners. The study resulted in consensus on 34 functions and 32 output/content elements of a proposed web-based KMS called PreventionEffects.net. The paper also describes the implications of both the processes of development and the benefits of the proposed system for those interested in prevention.