Knowledge Transfer Tip Sheet: Written Communication of Research Findings

© Mary Law, Marilyn Kertoy, and the CanChild Dissemination Committee, 2004

A common and affordable way to share your research findings is through written communication. This method of communication is particularly useful when you are aiming to increase awareness or knowledge about new information. Researchers typically publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals, but should also produce reports for different target audiences (e.g., funding agencies, participants, service providers, and policy makers) in formats that are more “reader” friendly.

At CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, we have developed three formats for communicating our research and knowledge beyond the scientific community. These documents are titled “Keeping Current”, “Project Reports”, and “In Briefs”. This tip sheet provides an overview of each type of document and information on how to access specific examples.

The following general concepts apply for each of the documents: 

We typically develop only one version of a report and distribute it to all target groups, believing that clearly written materials should be understandable by all audiences. This practice ensures that all of the target groups are informed about how the research or knowledge relates to them and to other people with whom they work (e.g., parents and service providers). To make the report relevant to all target groups, we:

  • Use language that is easy to understand, and avoid jargon and acronyms
  • Include recommendations that are written specifically for each target group 

We often use questions as headings throughout the documents. The questions serve to catch the reader’s interest and promote thinking about the ideas in each section.

We use consistent formats with official CanChild logos to make our documents recognizable.

Keeping Current

What is Keeping Current?

  • A synthesis of the literature on a “hot” topic
  • Answers the question “What do we know about…”

What is the purpose of a Keeping Current?

  • To provide a scientific and objective update or overview of an issue

What headings are suggested?

Headings will vary depending on the topic or issue.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Why is the topic important? (Introduction)
  • How was the literature review done?
  • What do we know about the topic?
  • What don’t we know about the topic?
  • What are the implications for clinical practice and/or policy? OR How can you use this information?
  • Where do we go from here?
  • Summary

How is a Keeping Current formatted?

  • Typically consists of 3-4 pages of text
  • Point form and tables are often used to communicate information
  • 5-10 key references are included, with extensive bibliographies available upon request

Project Report

What is a Project Report?

  • A description of a research study, including details about the intervention, program evaluation or research approach, as well as findings and implications
  • Project reports are not posted on a web site because they contain details about the study that may jeopardize publication in a peer-reviewed journal 

What is the purpose of a Project Report?

  • To communicate research findings rapidly and directly to the study participants, funding agencies, and CanChild partners 

What headings are suggested? 

  • Why research this topic?
  • What does past research say?
  • What was the purpose of this study?
  • Who participated?
  • Where did the study take place?
  • What took place? (Describe intervention and measures.)
  • What was found?
  • What do we conclude?
  • How are the findings useful? (Present implications for each target group.)
  • What are the next research steps?
  • Acknowledgement of participants, funding organization(s), and the study team
  • For more information, contact… 

How is a Project Report formatted?

  • The report should be no longer than 12 pages
  • Begin the report with an executive summary that includes key messages for each of the target groups
  • Present statistical findings using plain language
  • Use tables where appropriate and explain the content of the tables in the body of the document
  • Include a reference list for cited articles

In Brief
What is an In Brief?

  • An overview of a research study or activities in a particular area
  • Can be a short summary of a project report (e.g., a one-page handout prepared for a presentation)
  • Can focus on one aspect of a project rather than all of the findings
  • Can be posted on the website because it does not include specific details about the findings that would be included in a peer-reviewed journal article 

What is the purpose of an In Brief?

  • To provide a brief summary of a research study or other CanChild activities

What headings are suggested?

If this is a short summary of a project:

  • Why did we do this study?
  • Who participated in this study?
  • What was done?
  • What was found?
  • What do the findings mean?
  • What’s next?
  • For more information, contact… 

How is an In Brief formatted?

  • Preferably one double-sided page
  • Includes key messages for each target group
  • Includes a few key references with extensive bibliographies available upon request