Table 3 Engagement strategies for knowledge mobilisation

Clavier’s three knowledge translation practices

Examples of engagement practices at different stages of research

Preparatory/pre-randomisation phase: Agenda setting, co-development of the research proposal, prioritisation of the research activities, funding

Execution phase: Study design and procedures, study recruitment, data collection and data analysis

Translation phase: Dissemination, implementation and reporting

Logistic

Organising and communicating with partners to foster conditions for knowledge translation

From Preparatory/pre-randomisation phase to Translation phase:

- Regular phone calls to key staff (once a month)

- Convening meetings, writing meeting minutes

- Managing timetables and deadlines

- Organising events and setting up mechanisms for securing partners’ participation

- Using a structured approach for communicating with partners through contact logs to keep track of actions, decisions and changes as they occur

Strategic

Raise and maintaining partner interest, facilitation of a participatory research process

Preparatory/pre-randomisation phase:

- Communication of the CORE project goals, design and processes via meetings and research presentations at each site (preparing services to be involved in research)

- Clarification of the expectations and identification of the challenges and limits of the research, as well as roles and responsibilities amongst partners

Execution phase:

- Study blog for staff and researchers to visit and remain up-to-date with research activities

- Tri-annual study newsletters to service users and carers and staff

- User-designed posters and postcards for the study located in the wider community (e.g. libraries, community centres, supported residential services, prevention and recovery services)

From Preparatory/pre-randomisation phase to Translation phase:

- Site visits every 6 months to talk with teams about the study developments and progress

- Recognition of the different agendas, timeframes and professional cultures

- Organisation of small and large events to tighten collaborative relationships (regular engagement events throughout the study offered to service users, carers and staff)

- Establishment of early communication processes

- Regular presence of researchers to decrease feelings of uncertainty towards the research team and build confidence for everyone

Cognitive

Developing a shared vision and phrasing of the research

Preparatory/pre-randomisation phase:

- Partner involvement in the writing of research proposal and setting the agenda of the study

- Study information days including verbal education sessions about the project — meet the research team and complete surveys face to face if preferred

Execution phase:

- Using trained peer workers for support and a short comedy routine delivered by WISE Employment Stand Up for Mental Health comedians to reduce stigma around mental health and embed lived experience perspectives

- Staff distribution of study postcards to potential participants during regular clinical contacts

From Preparatory/pre-randomisation phase to Translation phase:

- Creating opportunities for dialogue on the respective contents of the research and mental health services at each site

- Engagement events to combat community stigma around mental illness and foster positive views on psychosocial recovery