Knowledge Mobilisation
Background
Knowledge mobilisation is about turning research into clear, useful information that people can understand and use to make decisions about their health and improve policy and everyday practice.
In our cancer research, we make sure our work focuses on real-life needs. We work with policymakers, commissioners, healthcare professionals, patients and the public to help shape our research and to share what we find in ways that are simple, helpful and easy to understand.
We are focusing on:
- Ensuring our research is used to improve care and advance knowledge
- Building strong partnerships with the people our research is for to make sure it is relevant and useful
- Sharing our research in ways people can use
- Studying and regularly reviewing how we share and use research so we can do it better over time
Examples of putting research into action to shape policy
Our team has a strong track record of carrying out research that has directly helped shape NHS policy, national guidelines, and how cancer services are delivered across the UK. Our work has supported NICE and the British Society of Gastroenterology in recommending better use of stool tests (FIT) in GP practices to help spot bowel cancer earlier, and our research on weight loss has helped update NICE guidance on when cancer should be suspected. Evidence that we produced has informed the NHS Cancer Programme through national research units focused on cancer awareness, screening and early diagnosis. Our research on “safety netting” (making sure patients with ongoing symptoms are properly followed up) helped shape the NHS eSafety Netting Pilot to reduce missed cancer diagnoses. We also helped developed the COLOFIT tool to help GPs make better decisions about who should be referred urgently for bowel cancer tests. In addition, we have contributed to national cancer policy discussions, including advising the Chief Medical Officer on changes linked to Jess’s Rule.
