Translation of research into practice: why we can't "just do it"

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cognitive Science
• Translational Research

Background:

• Knowledge translation into practice occurs in three stages: awareness, acceptance, and adoption.
• Current translational research primarily addresses awareness and acceptance, neglecting the crucial adoption phase.
• Disappointing translation outcomes necessitate a deeper understanding of the adoption process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of the adoption stage in knowledge translation.
• To differentiate between declarative and procedural knowledge using cognitive science principles.
• To propose cognitive-based strategies for enhancing clinical practice adoption.

Main Methods:

• Review of cognitive science research on knowledge types and brain function.
• Analysis of the transition from accepted declarative knowledge to actionable procedural knowledge.
• Synthesis of strategies to facilitate procedural knowledge acquisition in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Declarative knowledge (learned) and procedural knowledge (applied) are distinct cognitive entities.
• Procedural knowledge is essential for effective clinical practice and differs in neural representation from declarative knowledge.
• Effective translation requires moving beyond mere acceptance to the active adoption of knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing knowledge translation necessitates focusing on the adoption stage.
• Cognitive strategies, including structured feedback, in-context practice, and deliberative practice, can improve knowledge adoption.
• Understanding the cognitive shift from declarative to procedural knowledge is key to effective implementation in clinical practice.