Reflections from key policy decision-makers on integrated care and the value of decision-maker involvement in research

Abstract

The iCOACH study involved key health care system decision-makers from Ontario, Quebec and New Zealand. This article is written by the key decision-makers involved in the iCOACH study and discusses their motivations to engage in the research project, the value of participation and key recommendations for best practices to engage decision-makers in research projects. Suggestions for knowledge translation are identified including practical tools for decision-makers and providers to use to assess readiness to implement integrated community-based primary health care. Case study briefs with key enablers and ‘talking-points’ and infographics are similarly recommended as approaches to transfer knowledge gained from this research study.