Table 5 Key features of different arrangements of Knowledge Translation Platforms (KTPs)

Ministry of Health (MOH)

• KTP as a permanent structure within the MOH

• Activities and products address priority needs of government

• Challenges in managing political pressures in the work of the KTP

• EVIPNet Burkina Faso

• EVIPNet Ethiopia

• Policymakers in high MOH positions are seldom available for meetings

• Sudan KTP

• Closer and more permanent relationships with the government

• Restricted network of researchers

• Difficulty engaging lower level policymakers and local leaders

• Integration with MOH structure and function strengthens the sustainability of the KTP

• Researchers are commissioned by the KTP

University/private research institution

• KTP located within university/private research institute

• Minimal political influence and more independence of KTP work

• KTP members not permanently available for KTP work, as they have different jobs

• E2P Nigeria

• EVIPNet Central African Republic

• Regional East African Community Health (REACH Uganda)

• E2P Bangladesh

• Difficulty sustaining KTP due to funding and lack of institutionalization

• KTP composed mainly of researchers, policymakers and other members from the MOH and civil society

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

• KTP established as an independent NGO

• Minimal political influence and more independence of KTP work

• Difficulty sustaining KTP due to funding and lack of institutionalization

• E2P Argentina

• Zambia Forum

for Health Research

• Researchers commissioned by the KTP

Hospital

• KTP located in the hospital

• Minimal political influence and more independence of KTP work

• KTP members not permanently available for KTP work, as they are recruited by hospital for conducting other tasks

• EVIPNet Cameroon

• KTP members paid by hospital and conduct KTP work on part-time basis

• Sustainability challenges of KTP due to limited funding