Knowledge translation of research findings

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Knowledge Translation
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Persistent gaps exist between research findings, clinical practice, and health policy.
• These evidence-practice gaps hinder optimal patient benefit and increase healthcare costs.
• International focus is increasing on strategies to reduce these translation gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current concepts and evidence for guiding knowledge translation (KT) activities.
• To address key questions: what, to whom, by whom, how, and with what effect knowledge should be transferred.
• To define KT as T2 research: translating new clinical knowledge into improved health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The study synthesizes existing evidence and concepts related to knowledge translation.
• It structures the discussion around five core questions guiding KT activities.
• It reviews systematic reviews on interventions for healthcare professionals and consumers.

Main Results:

• Up-to-date systematic reviews are recommended as the primary unit for knowledge translation.
• Effective KT requires identifying key messages and tailoring them for diverse audiences.
• KT strategies should be informed by assessments of barriers and facilitators to research use.

Conclusions:

• A substantial evidence base exists for KT targeting healthcare professionals and consumers.
• Evidence for KT approaches aimed at policymakers and senior managers is less robust.
• Innovative KT approaches for policymakers require further evaluation.