Blueprint for Knowledge Translation

The goal of this project is to move state-of-the-art knowledge on childhood agricultural injury prevention into practice. First, a Blueprint will be generated. Second, the Blueprint knowledge will be integrated into professional training outlets so it can be translated to end-users. Specific aims are to:

• Gather and synthesize findings from childhood agricultural injury research and interventions that have been conducted since the 2001 Summit on Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention;
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of known interventions based on: a) injury data, b) different audiences, and c) different levels of the Ecological Model;
• Engage researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in developing a Blueprint for Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Knowledge Translation;
• Activate the Blueprint through intermediaries and innovative technological communication strategies; and
• Continually assess, modify, and expand translation opportunities based on participant feedback and updated knowledge regarding effective interventions and injury trends.

This project uses a simple, low budget approach in contrast to the multi-staged, expensive approach used for the 2001 Summit on Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention. Partners from many organizations, NIOSH Agricultural Centers, NIOSH ERCs, and others will weigh in on draft versions of the plan.

The Blueprint document will be issued one decade following the last comprehensive review and updated national action plan. Recommendations in the Blueprint will serve as the basis for professional training and information dissemination. Using intermediaries such as staff of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids and AgriSafe rural clinics, new knowledge regarding the most effective interventions will be transmitted to farm owners, parents and youth. The Journal of Agromedicine: Practice, Policy and Research will disseminate key findings to professional audiences via dedicated journal issues.

Since NIOSH formalized its Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative in 1996 approximately $5 million annually has been dedicated to this issue. A portion of those funds have been targeted for injury surveillance efforts. Both etiologic and intervention-type RO1s have been funded, but a limited number of intervention studies have reported measurable impacts. This project will serve as an assessment of the current status of the national initiative and recommend future priorities.