Table 2 Characteristics of included studies

Beddoes et al., (2012)

To investigate the benefits of Open Access scholarly research outputs to TSOs

Mixed methods:

TSOs, many providing health and social care services.

Benefits of open access to scholarly research for voluntary and charitable sector organisations

(Rapid evidence review, scoping interviews (n = 9), online survey (n = 101), case studies (n = 10))

England and Wales

Dolcini et al., (2010)

To investigate how agencies are translating evidence-based interventions into practice

Qualitative:

6 agencies that were implementing one of these Evidence-Based Interventions: Healthy Relationships (living with HIV/AIDS); Safety Counts (injecting drug users); Many Men, Many Voices (for gay men of colour)

Translating HIV interventions into practice: community-based organizations' experiences with the diffusion of effective behavioral interventions (DEBIs)

In-depth structured interviews with executive directors, programme managers and programme implementers (n = 15).

USA

Jack, et al., (2011)

To explore:

Qualitative:

24 agencies across Canada providing addiction services to women

Evidence-informed decision-making by professionals working in addiction agencies serving women: a descriptive qualitative study

1) the types and sources of evidence used to inform practice-related decisions within Canadian addiction agencies serving women;

In-depth telephone interviews with decision-makers (n = 26)

Canada

2) how decision makers at different levels report using research evidence;

3) factors that influence evidence-informed decision making.

Kimber, et al., (2012).

To explore the process of implementation of evidence-based practice in community based organisations.

Mixed methods:

A large community-based provider of child and adolescent mental health services

Becoming an Evidence-Based Service Provider: Staff Perceptions and Experiences of Organizational Change

Case study, comprising of an annual questionnaire (n = 238 to 342 per year over four years); semi-structured interviews with staff across the organisation (n = 13) and observation of group meetings (not reported)

Canada

Lavis, J. Wilson, M. (2011)

To better understand community-based organisations, and their views of and experiences with research evidence.

Qualitative:

A representative sample of community-based organisations in Canada providing care for those with (i) HIV/AIDS, (ii) Mental health/addiction problems, and (iii) Diabetes.

Community-based organisations and how to support their use of systematic reviews: a qualitative study

Focus group (n = 31) and interviews (n = 16) with same sample of executive directors and programme managers

Canada

McLaughlin, et al., (2010)

To explore how decisions are made in TSOs, and how evidence informs those decisions.

Qualitative:

9 non-profit care organisations providing a wide range of social, welfare and health services

Decision-making and evidence in direct practice

Semi-structured interviews (n = 15)

Canada

Owczarzak, J. (2012)

To explore what factors affect how HIV prevention service providers view and implement evidence-based practice

Qualitative:

8 TSOs involved in care or preventions services related to HIV/AIDs

Evidence-based HIV prevention in community settings: provider perspectives on evidence and effectiveness

Semi-structured interviews with staff members (n = 22)

USA

Ramanadhan et al., (2012)

To investigate how community based organisations understand evidence-based programmes and what the barriers and facilitators are which influence their usage

Qualitative:

A number (unstated) of CBOs working with ‘underserved’ populations in Boston, Lawrence and Worcester (Massachusetts)

Perceptions of evidence-based programs among community-based organizations tackling health disparities: a qualitative study

Interviews with staff members (n = 6) and four focus groups (n = 31 participants)

USA

Shera, W. Dill, K. (2012)

To measure the progress and impact of PARTs activities on child welfare practice in Ontario, including a focus on TSOs engagement with evidence informed practice

Mixed methods:

37 child welfare organisations in Ontario involved in the PART (Practice And Research Together) programme

Promoting evidence-informed practice in child welfare in Ontario: progress, challenges and future directions

Online survey, focus groups, systematic collection and analysis of feedback from learning events

Canada

Wilson, et al., (2011)

To assess the capacity of CBOs in the HIV/AIDS sector to acquire, assess, adapt and apply research evidence in their work.

Quantitative & qualitative:

25 community-based organisations (with ~290 full-time equivalent employees in total) providing HIV/AIDS care services

Community capacity to acquire, assess, adapt, and apply research evidence: a survey of Ontario's HIV/AIDS sector

Self-assessment survey (n = 51)

Canada