Evaluation of a Knowledge Translation Process in a Community Service Agency: Supporting the Sexuality of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

The objective of this dissertation was to evaluate an integrated knowledge translation intervention in a community-based service agency providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities. The dissertation had two objectives: 1) to understand how stakeholders create knowledge, collaborate, and make decisions to implement knowledge on supporting sexuality, and 2) to examine the underlying processes of integrated knowledge translation and how these interplay in the context of community and intellectual disability research. First, we conducted a scoping review to identify strategies to support the sexuality of persons with intellectual disabilities. This knowledge was made available and discussed with stakeholders of the participating agency (i.e., persons with intellectual disabilities, front-line staff, caregivers, supervisors, and senior management) using various methods such as focus groups, an evidence brief and a stakeholder dialogue. Data collection included transcripts of discussions with stakeholders, facilitator notes, notes from the primary researcher, and two self-report questionnaires. The intervention resulted in two in-person workshops and an online program on sexual health for persons with intellectual disabilities and front-line staff. Second, we identified barriers and facilitators to conducting an integrated knowledge translation intervention in a community and disability setting. These included power dynamics and the accessibility of the integrated knowledge translation intervention to knowledge users. The findings from these two aims presented in this dissertation inform changes that may further increase the relevance and applicability of knowledge translation interventions in the community and disability setting.