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Moving Knowledge into Action: Developing the Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process Within the Interactive Systems Framework

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
American Journal of Community Psychology

Abstract

The Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) for Dissemination and Implementation presents an overall framework for translating knowledge into action. Each of its three systems requires further clarification and explanation to truly understand how to conduct this work. This article describes the development and initial application of the Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process (RSTP) using the exchange model of knowledge transfer in the context of one of the ISF systems: the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System (see [special issue “introduction” article] for a translation of the Wandersman et al. (Am J Community Psychol 41:3–4, 2008) article using the RSTP). This six-step process, which was developed by and for the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with partners, serves as an example of how a federal agency can expedite the transfer of research knowledge to practitioners to prevent violence. While the RSTP itself represents one of the possible functions in the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System, the resulting products affect both prevention support and prevention delivery as well. Examples of how practitioner and researcher feedback were incorporated into the Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process are discussed.

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Notes

  1. The Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Grant Program provides more than $42 million in funding to support rape prevention activities in all 50 states, 8 territories, and the District of Columbia. The Rape Prevention and Education Program: At A Glance, available at www.cdc.gov/volenceprevention, describes the authorizing legislation and approved uses for RPE funding and provides examples of prevention activities from various states and territories.

  2. Violence Education Tools Online; www.vetoviolence.org.

Abbreviations

RSTP:

Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process

ISF:

Interactive Systems Framework

PSTS:

Prevention Synthesis and Translation System

PDS:

Prevention Delivery System

PSS:

Prevention Support System

CDC:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NCIPC:

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

DVP:

Division of Violence Prevention

RPE:

Rape Prevention Education

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Sally Thigpen, Richard W. Puddy, Helen Harber Singer & Diane M. Hall

Authors
  1. Sally Thigpen
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  2. Richard W. Puddy
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  3. Helen Harber Singer
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  4. Diane M. Hall
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Correspondence to Sally Thigpen.

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The findings and conclusions in this submission are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Thigpen, S., Puddy, R.W., Singer, H.H. et al. Moving Knowledge into Action: Developing the Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process Within the Interactive Systems Framework. Am J Community Psychol 50, 285–294 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-012-9537-3

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