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A guide to knowledge translation theory.

Carole A Estabrooks1, David S Thompson, J Jacque E Lovely

  • 1Knowledge Utilization Studies Program, and Canada Research Chair, Knowledge Translation, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. carole.estabrooks@ualberta.ca

The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions
|March 25, 2006
PubMed
Summary
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No single theory guides knowledge translation (KT). This review explores diverse theories from multiple disciplines to develop effective KT interventions, emphasizing context-specific application for successful implementation.

Area of Science:

  • Health Services Research
  • Knowledge Translation
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Social Sciences

Background:

  • Decades of calls for overarching knowledge translation (KT) theory have not yielded a unified framework.
  • Existing KT models and theories are often fragmented across disciplines, hindering accessibility and application.
  • Challenges include definitional ambiguity, discipline-specific jargon, and implicit assumptions that impede the integration of complementary perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of selected theoretical perspectives valuable for developing testable knowledge translation interventions.
  • To discuss complementary theories essential for enhancing the efficacy of knowledge translation initiatives.
  • To illustrate the similarities and differences among various theoretical perspectives relevant to the knowledge translation field.

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Main Methods:

  • Literature review drawing from organizational innovation, health sciences, and social sciences.
  • Analysis and synthesis of diverse theoretical perspectives applicable to knowledge translation.
  • Emphasis on identifying theories suitable for practical intervention development and implementation.

Main Results:

  • A variety of useful theoretical perspectives for knowledge translation exist but are dispersed across disciplines.
  • Effective knowledge translation requires careful assessment of the healthcare setting (context) to ensure theoretical fit.
  • Utilizing multiple, complementary theories is often necessary, as no single theory suits all contexts.

Conclusions:

  • Overcoming interdisciplinary barriers to theory combination is crucial for successful knowledge translation.
  • Selecting and integrating appropriate theories based on contextual assessment enhances the likelihood of successful knowledge translation initiatives.
  • A multi-theory approach, tailored to specific settings, is recommended for robust knowledge translation efforts.