Knowledge Exchange on an International and National Context: The Prevention Hub Canada

Background

Knowledge, from research, clinical and cultural practice, lived experience, and clinical expertise is required to inform effective prevention practice, program and policy decisions. However, those working in prevention comprise a diverse mutli-disciplinary multi-sectoral group. These workers are often isolated from each other and report difficulties accessing information, support, and capacity to identify, implement, evaluate and share effective prevention practice. 

To respond to this need, the Prevention Hub was developed, to provide the global prevention community with relevant advice, information, resources and networking possibilities. Early feedback indicated that users find internationally relevant information helpful, but localised resources, networks and information in local language are more desirable to support their work. The first evaluation reported that almost 80% of respondents currently works in some form of partnership, the vast majority of whom indicated that these exist at a local and national level.

The potential to replicate the Prevention Hub on a national level was recognised by both Mentor International (MI) and the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse (CCSA). Together, the two organisations have embarked upon collaborative effort to create a tool to enable knowledge exchange: Prevention Hub Canada.

Prevention Hub Canada Objectives

• Foster a well-informed, skilled and engaged Canadian prevention community
• Promote drug prevention and evidence-informed policy and practice on a national and international level
• Provide the major destination for shared national drug prevention knowledge, support and advice
• Ensure the practical application and dissemination of academic knowledge in the field

Prevention Hub Canada Content Areas 

• Prevention Update: Latest research, policy and practice news
• Who is Who: International database of those working in prevention
• Effective Practice: What it is, where to find it, and how to do it
• Professional Development: Training, tools, resources and materials
• Sharing & Support: Networking, sharing and support

Conclusion

Experience from establishing the International Prevention Hub provides insight into the global adaptation of prevention initiatives, establishment of networks and the need for knowledge. However, the collaboration on a national level of CCSA and MI allows the concept to go one step further:

• The Prevention Hub Canada is fed and sustained by CCSA, a key national agency, ensuring that users are engaged and well informed.
• The networks are established on a local level, promoting collaboration online and in person.
• Sharing and support through digital channels such as forums, chat-rooms and social media is sustained within the country.

The advantage of these Prevention Hub Canada elements being set within the international context of the Prevention Hub is that the national users can also access international knowledge, practice and people. It also has the added benefit of providing users of the international site with multiple languages and a wider spread of content.