The contribution of a knowledge exchange organisation in primary healthcare

Background The use of relevant quality research and evidence to inform policy and practice is complex, takes time and requires skill. Over the past 20 years, a knowledge exchange organisation (the Primary Health Care Research & Information Service [PHCRIS]) has developed, implemented and evaluated ways to accelerate the use of research and evidence to strengthen Australian primary healthcare and thereby enhance health. Objective This paper outlines how PHCRIS operates to accelerate the use of research and evidence in primary healthcare policy and practice. Discussion PHCRIS takes an integrated approach to accelerate the use of research and evidence in primary healthcare by sharing information, research and evidence; summarising and synthesising research; building capacity; and facilitating knowledge exchange. Resources developed to support this approach have a strong emphasis on access, quality, relevance and timeliness. The success of the approach has been achieved through respectful and effective engagement with stakeholders, extensive use of technologies and continuous quality improvement.