The trainees' perspective on developing an end-of-grant knowledge translation plan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Knowledge translation (KT) is a rapidly growing field that is becoming an integral part of research protocols.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This meeting report describes one group's experience at the 2009 KT Canada Summer Institute in developing an end-of-grant KT plan for a randomized control trial proposal.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Included is a discussion of the process, challenges, and recommendations from the trainee's perspective in developing an end-of-grant KT plan.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>New researchers should consider developing an end-of-grant KT plan with strategies that move beyond passive dissemination to incorporate innovative means of collaboration with the end user to craft the message, package the information, and share the research findings with end users.</p

Lost in Knowledge Translation: Moving Towards a Clearer Picture? Mapping the conceptualisation of knowledge translation, transfer and exchange across public health in the North East

Over recent decades the concept of evidence-based practice in health care has become part of the language of practitioners, policymakers and researchers. However, a gap between the production of research evidence and use of this evidence in practice has been identified, leading to repeated calls for solutions which will render the process more effective and efficient. It is increasingly acknowledged that getting evidence into, or out of, policy and practice arenas is not a straightforward or a linear process and to view it as such may be both misleading and overly simplistic. The term knowledge translation (KT) is used to describe the work required to close or bridge this gap and is becoming common vocabulary. However, as a concept KT (and related terms) are not yet clearly defined, nor are there agreed meanings in many areas including public health. While there is a growing body of literature exploring these concepts, using this evidence to inform public health practice, strategy, research and education is often difficult given the diverse range of sources, the worldviews upon which they are based and the need for local ‘contextual fit’. This study was commissioned by Fuse to explore how various stakeholder groups (e.g. practitioners, commissioners, academics, researchers, local authority/government) make sense of and experience the concepts and processes of knowledge translation, transfer and exchange. The study aims were to: Undertake a rapid review of recent literature syntheses pertaining to knowledge translation, exchange and transfer in public health, Explore and articulate (map) stakeholder conceptualisations and interpretations of knowledge translation, exchange and transfer in public health

Comparison of research framing preferences and information use of state legislators and advocates involved in cancer control, United States, 2012–2013

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based policy plays an important role in prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases. The needs of actors involved in policy decision-making should inform knowledge translation strategies. This study examines the differences between state legislators and advocates in how they seek and use information and what their preferences are for how research information is framed. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional comparison of survey responses by US advocates (n = 77) and state legislators (n = 265) working on issues related to cancer control. RESULTS: Advocates differed significantly from legislators on all demographic characteristics. Advocates reported seeking and using information more frequently than legislators, though legislators used legislative research bureaus more often (0.45 point difference, P = .004). Both legislators and advocates prioritized the presentation and timeliness of research information similarly but reported different preferences for source (information bias, information relevance, delivery of information by trusted person) of research information. Several differences between advocates and legislators were modified by participant age. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insights for development of knowledge translation strategies to enhance evidence-based policy making for cancer control that are tailored to state-level legislators and advocates. Additional research efforts should evaluate the effectiveness of such knowledge translation strategies, particularly among advocates

The Contribution of Conceptual Frameworks to Knowledge Translation Interventions in Physical Therapy

Context: There is growing recognition of the importance of knowledge translation activities in physical therapy to ensure that research findings are integrated in clinical practice, and increasing numbers of knowledge translation interventions are being conducted. Although various frameworks have been developed to guide and facilitate the process of translating knowledge into practice, these tools have been infrequently used in physical therapy knowledge translation studies to date. Problem and recommendation: Knowledge translation in physical therapy implicates multiple stakeholders and environments, and involves numerous steps. In light of this complexity, the use of explicit conceptual frameworks by clinicians and researchers conducting knowledge translation interventions is associated with a range of potential benefits. In this article, we argue that such frameworks are important resources to promote the uptake of new evidence in physical therapy practice settings. We identify four key benefits associated with the use of conceptual frameworks in designing and implementing knowledge translation interventions. We also consider limits related to their use. We then evaluate a sample of five conceptual frameworks and consider how they address common barriers to knowledge translation in physical therapy. The goal of this analysis is to provide guidance to physical therapists seeking to identify a framework to support the design and implementation of a knowledge translation intervention. Finally, we illustrate the use of a conceptual framework through a case example. Conclusion: Increased use of conceptual frameworks can have a positive impact on the field of knowledge translation in physical therapy and support the development and implementation of robust and effective knowledge translation interventions that help span the research-practice gap

What's in a Word? Unpacking the Communicative Implications of Knowledge Translation as a Term

Knowledge translation is one of many terms used to describe the process of moving academic research into practical application to achieve positive impacts. Attention to knowledge translation has grown significantly in the contemporary Canadian research landscape, supported by major federal research funders. This article explores the term in depth, highlighting the interdisciplinary links between the burgeoning area of knowledge translation and more established areas of communication studies and translation studies. Focusing on a Canadian health research setting, the concepts of "perfect communication" and "loss in translation" are examined in relation to knowledge translation. This analysis explores contradictions and tensions within current assumptions and rhetoric around knowledge translation, highlighting misalignments with traditional thinking about communication. These issues can affect how knowledge translation work is perceived and practiced. Critical attention to the tensions emerging from the term knowledge translation is important for the field to continue to develop

Revisiting interaction in knowledge translation

Abstract Background Although the study of research utilization is not new, there has been increased emphasis on the topic over the recent past. Science push models that are researcher driven and controlled and demand pull models emphasizing users/decision-maker interests have largely been abandoned in favour of more interactive models that emphasize linkages between researchers and decisionmakers. However, despite these and other theoretical and empirical advances in the area of research utilization, there remains a fundamental gap between the generation of research findings and the application of those findings in practice. Methods Using a case approach, the current study looks at the impact of one particular interaction approach to research translation used by a Canadian funding agency. Results Results suggest there may be certain conditions under which different levels of decisionmaker involvement in research will be more or less effective. Four attributes are illuminated by the current case study: stakeholder diversity, addressability/actionability of results, finality of study design and methodology, and politicization of results. Future research could test whether these or other variables can be used to specify some of the conditions under which different approaches to interaction in knowledge translation are likely to facilitate research utilization. Conclusion This work suggests that the efficacy of interaction approaches to research translation may be more limited than current theory proposes and underscores the need for more completely specified models of research utilization that can help address the slow pace of change in this area.</p