Dissemination of findings is a very significant part of research. While most granting agencies require a report at the conclusion of the funding period, making the findings available to the broader academic, clinical and general community is important.

Publication in journals is probably the most common form of dissemination along with conference presentations. However, there are many other types of dissemination such as web documents, leaflets, public presentations or media interviews. The potential users of research findings are not just academics. Clinicians, policy makers, funders, educators and members of the public may also be interested in the work and its implications for their area of responsibility.

During the early stages of the research, it can be helpful to develop a plan for dissemination of findings. This can look at what forms the dissemination should take and who will be responsible for carrying out this part of the work. Communication activities during the active period of the research can also be included.

An early discussion of dissemination activities can assist in determining authorship teams and clarifying the contributions of individual members. It also encourages the reporting of non-significant or negative results. Such findings are as important as findings that support an intervention’s effectiveness. 

Further information on journals publishing palliative care research can be found in the Finding Evidence section of this website.

 

This page was created on 25 March 2008 and is due for review in March 2010