Development of the INDIGO partnership knowledge exchange strategy

Background: Knowledge exchange, a process of equitable learning, is an important aspect of research. However, there is limited published evidence about whether and how researchers plan for and document this process. This paper describes the collaborative development of the knowledge exchange strategy for a mental health research programme (the INDIGO Partnership), including monitoring and evaluation methods. Method: Knowledge gaps and needs were identified through surveys completed by 59 key stakeholders (advocates, service providers, policymakers and researchers) across the five INDIGO Partnership implementation sites (i.e. China, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, and Tunisia). A strategy was then developed by the international members of the INDIGO research team, based on stakeholder preferences for engagement and the types of information desired. Results: The goal of the INDIGO Partnership knowledge exchange strategy is to enable access to and use of evidence for reducing mental health stigma and discrimination. This will be addressed through describes four processes: (a) convening stakeholders from multiple backgrounds to exchange ideas; (b) creating opportunities for interaction within and between stakeholder groups to improve mental health outcomes; (c) building stakeholder capacity for participating in the generation and use of knowledge; and (d) developing tailored dissemination materials. Monitoring and evaluation indicators and outcomes are proposed to assess the impact of the strategy. Conclusion: This paper illustrates the planning and development of a knowledge exchange procedure and provides a framework upon which knowledge exchange activities can be assessed.