Speaker Abstract

Heart Health Dissemination: Scientific and Practical Knowledge from the Canadian Experience

D. Harvey, Manitoba Heart Health Project, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2.

Research has contributed to a base of knowledge and skills for heart health promotion. However, there is a dearth of research on the dissemination of this knowledge and skills to health professionals and the general public. The Canadian Heart Health Initiative (CHHI) has, since 1987 had two common objectives with reference to dissemination. The first was to examine the implementation of integrated community level approaches to reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors; and secondly, to study capacity building in organizations and communities for heart health promotion.

The CHHI has research process data from more than 310 provincial and community projects which occurred in over 35 demonstration sites across Canada. These data support the means to implement integrated community level approaches. While some of the research is still ongoing, preliminary conclusions indicate how a mix of will, leadership and infrastructure contribute to organizational and community capacity to promote heart health.

The CHHI has been jointed funded by NHRDP and the respective provincial governments since 1986.