Abstract
Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) science increasingly recognizes the importance of equitable community engagement; yet, few models fully integrate community leadership and contextual knowledge throughout the research translation process. This paper introduces the Integrated Knowledge, Dissemination, and Action (IKDA) Framework, a novel model that combines the Knowledge to Action (K2A) Framework and Brownson’s Model for Dissemination of Research, to guide the co-creation, dissemination and practice, and institutionalization of health information in community settings. Together, the IKDA Framework supports community-engaged approaches to collaboratively translate evidence into culturally resonant, actionable products and practices through multi-phased, iterative stages that leads to sustained utilization. The IKDA Framework’s utility is demonstrated through two public health initiatives: the Health Promotion Through Environmental Design (HPTED) project and the National Network to Innovate for COVID-19 and Adult Vaccine Equity (NNICE). These case studies focus on research and dissemination phases of the IKDA and illustrate how community-driven dissemination strategies—such as tailored digital tools, infographics, and training—enhanced community awareness, trust, and engagement. Our use of the IKDA Framework within these projects is ongoing to facilitate continued implementation and institutionalization. The IKDA Framework moves beyond traditional knowledge dissemination to foster co-ownership, ethical community engagement, and long-term community-academic partnerships. It provides both researchers and practitioners with a structured yet flexible roadmap to support equitable, sustainable community-based health improvements. As public health continues to address complex, place-based challenges, the IKDA Framework offers a scalable and responsive approach to bridging research with community practice to facilitate real-world, positive community impact.
Keywords
Community engagement is essential for effective dissemination and implementation (D&I) science, especially for the development of tools and resources to communicate and implement knowledge, information, data, and related research products (Holt & Chambers, 2017; Pinto et al., 2021). Stewart and colleagues (2023) draw attention to dissemination strategies for research product sharing, and to models for co-translation and co-creation of these resources. Pinto and colleagues (2021) underscore the need for a more comprehensive and pragmatic approach to co-creating and disseminating health information within communities in relevant, meaningful, and useful ways. While the number of D&I theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) have risen exponentially, few have explicitly incorporated community engagement strategies throughout the research translational continuum (Mathieson et al., 2025; Shea et al., 2017). Moreover, of the community-engaged dissemination and implementation (CEDI) TMFs available in published literature, none are generalizable across communities, areas of focus, interventions, service settings, or populations (Mathieson et al., 2025).
In this context, we introduce a novel CEDI framework–the Integrated Knowledge, Dissemination, and Action Framework (IKDA)–that blends the Knowledge to Action (K2A) Framework (Wilson et al., 2011) with Brownson et al.’s (2018) Model for Dissemination of Research. See Figure 1. The IKDA Framework emphasizes equitable, community-centered co-creation and co-translation of health information, drawing complementary strengths from its foundational frameworks. The K2A Framework, developed by the National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, provides a structured yet flexible process for moving research findings into widespread practice. It incorporates insights from RE-AIM, the Interactive Systems Framework, and Diffusion of Innovations, emphasizing the iterative, nonlinear nature of research translation (Glasgow et al., 1999; Rogers, 2003; Wandersman et al., 2008). As explained by Wilson and colleagues (2011), the K2A Framework outlines three key phases: (1) Research, (2) Translation, and (3) Institutionalization. In each of these phases, active community engagement is needed. Incorporating Brownson et al.’s (2018) Model for Dissemination of Research, inspired by McGuire’s communication framework, enhances the K2A framework and defines four essential elements of effective dissemination: Source (e.g., community-academic partnerships), Message (e.g., knowledge, findings, and results), Channel (e.g., method of sharing information), and Audience (e.g., intended recipients of the message). Integrating these frameworks, the IKDA enhances co-translation and co-creation processes for dissemination and implementation of research methods and results.
Integrated Knowledge, Dissemination, and Action Framework: A Model That Integrates Theories and Methods to Help Spread Evidence-Based Interventions
IDKA Framework Description
Research Phase
Within the IKDA Framework, the research phase (integrated from the K2A model) includes foundational discovery studies, efficacy and effectiveness trials, and implementation studies. Community engagement plays a vital role by helping to guide research questions and study design, creation of protocols, selection and development of data collection tools, recruiting participants, and ongoing intervention development so programs are implemented with fidelity in community settings (Pinto et al., 2021). During this phase, researchers and community members co-develop a community-engaged partnership (Drahota et al., 2016) that serves as the
Translation Phase
The K2A translation phase begins with the Decision to Translate defined as “the decision to create an actionable product on the basis of existing science-based knowledge or the decision to propel an evidence-based program, policy, or practice into widespread use” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014, p. 9). This process includes the interpretation and translation of project findings by the community, and the development of Brownson’s Messages to share with specific Audience groups who could benefit from or implement the information. Once the messages and audiences have been defined, the community then identifies relevant and meaningful channels for sharing the information. These channels might include community partners’ social media platforms, press releases, infographics, policy briefs, presentations, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and other traditional academic approaches. In some cases, effective dissemination may require developing new channels for sharing information and resources (e.g., project-specific websites or e-newsletters).
Moving to the next element of the IKDA Framework, the Knowledge into Products stage (from the K2A model) is defined as “a systematic process of turning scientific evidence and audience research into programs, policies, interventions, guidelines, toolkits, strategies, and messages that will assist and support audiences or users in putting science into practice” (CDC, 2014, p. 10). These tools and resources may be developed by community and/or academic project staff with expertise in data visualization or related skills. Within the IKDA Framework, dissemination products are co-created through cycles of drafting, review, revision, and community approval. This process is necessarily iterative, allowing for continual refinement until tools reflect local context and community priorities. Community input is critical to ensure the resources are reflective of community norms, language, and contextual elements (e.g., geographic landmarks). All resources are reviewed and approved by members of the partnership. Next, the Dissemination stage (K2A model) is defined as “a purposeful and facilitated process of distributing information and materials to organizations and individuals who can use them to improve health” (CDC, 2014, p. 11). In this stage, members of the partnership act as trusted, credible messengers who share the information with key audiences using the co-developed tools.
Outcomes of this effort include increased awareness of the information, evidence-based interventions, and other project-related findings. In turn, these outcomes may be assessed through social media likes and shares, attendance at press conferences, downloads, and citations, among others. Increased awareness leads to implementation and involves identifying implementation tactics that will support embedding a new practice within the context.
Institutionalization Phase
Finally, drawing from the K2A model, the IKDA institutionalization phase refers to the process by which a program or policy becomes integrated as part of the normative practice within a community or organization (CDC, 2014). It involves the maintenance of core components of the program or policy while also recognizing the importance of community engagement and ongoing evaluation to determine whether adaptations may be necessary to maximize the program’s continued fit and impact within that specific setting.
In this phase, evaluation is focused on assessing the positive impact of the policy or program on direct or peripheral outcomes and obtaining information from the partners and community members on how to improve the program. Optimally, the processes involve feedback loops to other phases of the model that are strengthened in practice-based research and evidence. Supporting structures, developed throughout the process, facilitate the institutionalization of the program and policy, and may include building organizational and community capacity, regularly scheduled trainings, fidelity monitoring, co-development of resources and policy or organizational leadership advocacy for its continuation, even if somewhat adapted from the original program or policy.
Case Studies: IKDA in Action
Case Study 1: Health Promotion Through Environmental Design
Two community-engaged public health projects serve as case studies for the use of the IKDA Framework. The first, the Health Promotion Through Environmental Design (HPTED) project, was inspired by principles from Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) initiative. While CPTED focused on reducing hazards and crime, improving food access, promoting physical activity, securing housing, and strengthening community connections, HPTED applied these concepts to address health disparities through built environment interventions (e.g., community gardens, neighborhood watch groups). Using the IKDA Framework, the project emphasized early and ongoing community engagement to co-develop tools, interpret data, and disseminate findings. In collaboration with our HPTED Community Advisory Board (CAB), assessment tools were selected (e.g., Neighborhood Life Survey, Neighborhood Inventory for Environmental Typology [NIfETy]; Research Phase), findings were co-analyzed with partners during regularly scheduled meetings, and HPTED products were tailored for key audiences (Co-Translation Phase). These HPTED products have included an ArcGIS story map that highlights community environmental initiatives and a HPTED “Keys to Success” Guide featuring best practices for implementing health-promoting environmental strategies. The CAB identified priority audience groups and guided dissemination of products and resources through established community channels (e.g., CAB member websites, social media channels, community meetings, etc.) to enhance their use in local efforts. All products were jointly reviewed to ensure compatibility with community norms, cultural relevance, and language to promote understanding and uptake. Table 1 summarizes how the IKDA stages were applied in HPTED, from the Research Phase (co-selection of survey instruments and community-engaged data interpretation) to the Co-Translation Phase (development of story maps and guides) and Dissemination (focused distribution through CAB-identified channels).
IKDA Framework Use With the HPTED and NNICE Projects
Case Study 2: National Network to Innovate for COVID-19 and Adult Vaccine Equity (NNICE)
As applied within the NNICE project, the IKDA Framework provided an important guide for the co-creation of promising practices (PPs) to support increased SARS-CoV-2 (“COVID-19”) immunization equity and access in marginalized communities. With CDC support, NNICE was established to identify, implement, and evaluate PPs to promote adult COVID-19 immunizations through trusted community-driven approaches. With a focus on addressing disparities exacerbated by COVID-19, the project aimed to increase confidence about COVID-19 immunization, expand access, and strengthen community infrastructure for equitable vaccine delivery and future immunization programs. To achieve these goals, we used a community-engaged rapid review process, beginning with an examination of literature associated with adult immunization interventions (e.g., influenza, human papillomavirus). After six promising practices were identified, results were co-interpreted with NNICE community partners who provided feedback on fit and feasibility. Community partners added two additional practice-based PPs that had been successfully used within their communities (Research Phase). The results of these combined efforts were eight PPs that served as flexible, community-informed strategies for implementation in underserved areas across Michigan, North Carolina, and Maryland (Co-Translation Phase). Table 1 illustrates how the IKDA framework structured this process, guiding the Research Phase (community-engaged rapid review and practice-based identification), Co-Translation Phase (partner review and adaptation of PPs), and Dissemination (messaging and channels tailored to trusted messengers and underserved groups).
Implications for Practice
The IKDA provides a useful applied framework to guide future CEDI research. By embedding community voices at every stage, from the development of research questions to the translation and sharing of findings, it supports the co-creation of tools and strategies that are more likely to be accepted, used, and sustained. The HPTED project, for example, showcases how community-based organization leaders can document and evaluate transformative initiatives—such as greening, restoration, and neighborhood revitalization—to assess their impact on crime reduction and public sentiment. Similarly, the NNICE project leveraged a community-engaged rapid review process to co-create promising practices that enhance access and equity in public health immunization initiatives, demonstrating the power of blending rigorous research with real-world community feedback and practice-based evidence.
To further strengthen its utility in diverse settings, future applications of the IKDA Framework can incorporate tools to guide adaptations to dissemination and implementation of practices, such as the Cultural Tailoring Process and Cultural Tailoring of Content (CTP/CTC) framework (Lapinski et al., 2024). The CTP/CTC Framework offers a structured method for adapting intervention messages to reflect the cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles of the intended audience. The CTC component helps refine the content of messages by identifying key elements such as tone, imagery, and narrative structure that can be meaningfully tailored to resonate with specific communities. Utilizing cultural adaptation strategies with the IKDA Framework enhances the cultural responsiveness of dissemination and implementation efforts and may increase the likelihood of community engagement, uptake, and long-term impact.
Compared with other D&I and CEDI frameworks, the IKDA offers a unique advantage in its generalizability and emphasis on community partnership throughout the entire cycle of research creation, translation, dissemination and institutionalization. Although many frameworks focus on the implementation of evidence-based interventions, the IKDA Framework moves beyond knowledge transfer to foster co-ownership, capacity building and sustainability. Its iterative design supports continuous learning, allowing researchers and practitioners to refine interventions based on community expertise. In doing so, IKDA strengthens partnerships, supports ethical engagement, and helps position communities to lead sustained, equity-focused improvements in public health.
Implications for Research
Community-engaged research emphasizes producing work that is both methodologically sound and grounded in the lived experiences and priorities of the communities involved. This approach recognizes that community partners hold essential place-based knowledge that cannot be fully understood by outsider academic researchers. The IKDA Framework provides a roadmap for navigating this intersection, balancing rigorous research design with meaningful community collaboration. By engaging community voices early and throughout the implementation process, researchers can enhance external validity, ensure ethical application, and adapt interventions to local contexts. This inclusive approach supports stronger relevance, fosters community ownership, and promotes sustainable dissemination and impact.
Conclusion
Community-engaged dissemination and implementation research must be multifaceted and inclusive, integrating community perspectives at every stage of the process. This approach not only enriches research but also creates reciprocal learning opportunities, where community insights shape scientific inquiry and research findings drive local action. The IKDA Framework offers a structured yet flexible roadmap for transforming research into community-driven, co-created solutions that support long-term health and safety improvements.
Footnotes
Authors’ Note:
This project was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant #5U48DP006397-04 and 1 NU21IP000595-01-00. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
