Introduction to the RUSH Toolbox

The RUSH Toolbox is a collection of tools and resources designed to assist researchers in creating or maintaining an integrated knowledge translation (KT) plan for high-quality disability and rehabilitation research. The RUSH toolbox will provide access to information related to KT, dissemination, and utilization.

	Dissemination and Utilization (D & U)	Logic Modelling
Background Information	General D&U Resources	General Logic Modeling Resources
Ideas for Your Plan or Activities	Ideas for Your Plan or Activities NIDRR Grantee Examples Non-Grantee Examples	Ideas for Logic Modeling Logic Model Examples
Developing a Plan or Activities	Developing D & U Plan or Activities	Developing a Logic Model
Measurement & Evaluation	Assessment of Capacity Outcome Measurement D & U Activity Effectiveness
Technical Assistance	Do you have a specific problem not addressed in the RUSH Toolbox? Contact RUSH staff for technical assistance.

What are dissemination, utilization, and logic models?

Dissemination:
The systematic distribution of information or knowledge through a variety of ways to potential beneficiaries. (Authority: Section 202; 29, U.S.C. 761a); The purpose of a dissemination activity is to assure that information/knowledge is useful in reaching decisions, making changes, or taking specific action and is available to those who can most benefit from it.

Utilization:
In carrying out a utilization activity, a grantee must relate research findings to practical applications in planning, policy making, program administration, and delivery of services to individuals with disabilities. (Authority: Section 202; 29 U.S.C. 761a)

Logic Model
A graphic representation or "blueprint" of the key elements of a program or project and how they will work under certain conditions to "solve" unidentified problems. A tool depicting the "chain of events" that link inputs and activities to outcomes.

What is knowledge translation?

A more comprehensive understanding of dissemination and utilization is couched within the concept of knowledge translation or KT. The term KT involves both dissemination and utilization of research findings, however, KT is distinct in at least two areas:

KT emphasizes the importance of the quality of research that will be disseminated and applied
KT involves adapting research so that it becomes contextually relevant to practitioners or consumers

To learn more about the concept of knowledge translation please refer to: Focus10: What is Knowledge Translation?

Selection Criteria and Search Strategies

RUSH staff welcome your suggestions for additions to the Toolbox. Please feel free to email us should you know of useful resources: rush@sedl.org

To be included in the RUSH toolbox, a resource must satisfy the following criteria:

Pertaining to the topics of research dissemination, utilization, or logic modeling;
Research-based or represent at least expert opinion;
Available to the public without charge;
Written in English; and
Does not promote any commercial interest

To locate resources on research dissemination, utilization and logic modeling related to disability and rehabilitation research, RUSH staff have culled through offerings available through:

The Web sites of government agencies, foundations, universities and nonprofit organizations when these entities work in the fields of rehabilitation and disability research, research utilization, evaluation and knowledge translation. Prominent examples are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), and the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF).
Open access journals in the field of rehabilitation, public health, nursing, medicine, and education.
Internal SEDL archives of products written by RUSH and NCDDR staff.
The references of each of the articles and documents identified in the steps described above, and links to other Web sites that appeared on sites already identified.

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