Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Alternative Format

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Jacob Shelley

2nd Supervisor

Anita Kothari

Abstract

This study examines the use of Contribution Mapping (CM) to evaluate two collaborative projects: the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) and the Cancer Risk Assessment in Youth Survey (CRAYS). Using CM, this study explores how alignment efforts (AEs) in coproduction projects contribute to both process and long-term outcomes in public policy.

Using a qualitative explanatory case study approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with actors from various sectors, including health researchers, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies. The data was analyzed using constant comparative analysis to triangulate findings. The study identified key AEs and their impact on research to action. The study's findings underscore the importance of using evaluative approaches like CM to understand the public policy network and environment to create tailored AEs.

This study contributes to the broader literature on coproduction for public health policy by offering insights on and demonstrating the benefits of working with diverse actors who are part of the policy network, rather than the policy decision maker alone. These findings can inform similar collaborative projects, with the goal of enhancing the integration of research findings into public policy.

Summary for Lay Audience

This study looks at how a new method, can help us understand how two large projects did research to make public health policies better. These large projects check if policies are working right to keep children safe and if these polices can improve.

To collect information, the researchers talked to many people from these projects, like experts, advocates, and workers from government. They compared these interviews to see how well they cooperated in research, and how they used that research. The study found some really good actions for cooperation and some that were not useful.

The results show that by using this new method, we can learn and improve how these large projects did research to better policy. This study shows it’s important to work with a range of people involved in policymaking. Not just the main person that makes decisions. That will truly make a difference in public health policies.

Available for download on Sunday, May 02, 2027

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