Communications as a basic tool in promoting utilization of research findings

A number of different communication methods can be used to promote utilization of research findings in mental health programs: documents summarizing research information can be prepared and distributed as widely as possible; program leaders can be brought together in special regional conferences, at which research and development experts can interpret the latest research and suggest ways in which new findings can be applied; and key practitioners in various localities can be convened as exploration committees to plan broad service programs that will incorporate the best research knowledge. Also, specific research utilization materials and plans can be developed for use with each potential group of “consumers” of new research knowledge. These plans can then be backstopped by “detail men”—consultants who are member of the practitioners' disciplines—who will follow up on the plans and help the agency or institution put them into effect.