ABSTRACT Introduction: The time lag between the development and uptake of a theoretical framework meant for clinical and health system planning is unknown. Aim: This case study was undertaken to explore diffusion of the Supportive Care Needs Framework. It describes the journey of the framework for the supportive care of patients and families, from design through to use by clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Methods: This case study includes a modified bibliometric scoping review that examines the diffusion (awareness and utilization) of the framework, as evidenced in publications listed in ResearchGate and Academia.edu. All papers citing any of the four original publications describing the Supportive Care Needs Framework were independently reviewed and analyzed by two reviewers. Analysis included the publication date, country of author, type of paper, design, and population. Papers were then categorized based on type of framework use: citation only, conceptual use, instrumental use, or persuasive use. Results: Publication dates ranged from 1999 to 2021. A total of 132 papers was identified, with 76 representing citation only or conceptual use and 56 representing instrumental or persuasive use. Forty-six were written by Canadian authors, with other authors representing 24 different countries. The majority of the applications of the framework were in cancer populations (n = 112) but it was also successfully applied in a number of other chronic illness populations. Most of the papers described research-based application of knowledge, with the framework guiding conceptualization of a study, data collection/instrument development, or data analysis. Clinical or educational applications were evident in seven publications. The number of published papers increased after the original framework papers became available in 2015 through open access. Conclusion: Overall, the Supportive Care Needs Framework has become widely known in a relatively short period of time, especially after open access availability. The framework has been used successfully in research, education, clinical situations, and health services planning. Although originally designed for cancer populations, it has proven helpful with other chronic illness populations. Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A540
Fitch et al. (Mon,) studied this question.