D4DS refers to a way of ensuring that “the product” (interventions, policy, evidence) of our work solves a problem and fits the context in which it is intended to be adopted. It focuses on engaging partners in design to ultimately increase adoption, sustainability, and impact on health and health equity.

Designing for Dissemination and Sustainability (D4DS) refers to a way of ensuring that “the product” (interventions, policy, evidence) of our work solves a problem and fits the context in which it is intended to be adopted. It focuses on engaging partners in design to ultimately increase adoption, sustainability, and impact on health and health equity.

View the D4DS Interactive Web Tool

Methods

In 2023-2024, we began recruitment for a Community Advisory Board within the city of Philadelphia. We held an interest meeting followed by monthly CAB meetings. The CAB and research team co-developed dissemination products through collaborative brainstorming sessions.

Results

Co-created dissemination products and plan comprised a 2-page infographic, social media toolkits, and a webinar slide deck which were disseminated in spring 2024 locally. Initial findings from the baseline and follow-up surveys indicate that CAB members benefit from skill development, compensation, networking, writing credit, and autonomy in dissemination designing.

Implications

Sharing power and decision-making with end-users and implementers enhanced capacity for local-level dissemination, which ultimately enhances the sustainability of community partnerships.

Processes for Designing for Dissemination

The goal of our study is to design for dissemination collaboratively with our Community Advisory Board (CAB)

We followed the D4Ds process which outlines 7 key steps or actions in the process; these should be undertaken with community partners and collaborators:

We followed the D4Ds process which outlines 7 key steps or actions in the process; these should be undertaken with community partners and collaborators:

  1. Identify Partners
  2. Empathize and Outline the Problem
  3. Understand the Context
  4. Confirm and Co-Design your Product
  5. Develop Dissemination Plan
  6. Plan for Sustainability
  7. Evaluate Iteratively

The goal of our study is to design for dissemination collaboratively with our Community Advisory Board (CAB)

We followed the D4Ds process which outlines 7 key steps or actions in the process; these should be undertaken with community partners and collaborators:

  1. Identify Partners
  2. Empathize and Outline the Problem
  3. Understand the Context
  4. Confirm and Co-Design your Product
  5. Develop Dissemination Plan
  6. Plan for Sustainability
  7. Evaluate Iteratively

Publications and Outputs

Examples of co-designed dissemmination products

School Meals Needs Assessment Results

School Meals Needs Assessment Results

School District of Philadelphia School Meals Needs Assessment

Designing for Dissemination among Public Health and Clinical Practitioners in the USA