From periphery to player: strategically positioning occupational therapy within the knowledge translation landscape

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Occupational Therapy
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Knowledge translation (KT) is increasingly vital in health research, policy, and practice.
• Occupational therapy (OT) is currently on the periphery of the KT field.
• There is a need for OT to actively engage with KT imperatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore opportunities for occupational therapy to become a key player in knowledge translation.
• To outline strategic actions for integrating KT within OT systems.
• To align academic and health care OT systems with KT principles.

Main Methods:

• This study is a conceptual analysis and strategic proposal.
• It examines the current position of OT in KT.
• It identifies necessary components for advancing OT's role in KT.

Main Results:

• Occupational therapy systems present unique opportunities for advancing KT.
• Strategic development of KT roles, technology, resources, and communities of practice is crucial.
• Alignment between academic and practice settings is necessary for effective KT.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy must proactively embrace knowledge translation to enhance its impact.
• Creating dedicated KT roles and fostering collaborative communities of practice will drive profession-wide integration.
• Strategic alignment is key for OT to meet the evolving demands of evidence-based health care.