Knowledge Translation Tools are Emerging to Move Neck Pain Research into Practice
Joy C Macdermid1, Jordan Miller, Anita R Gross
1School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario and Hand and Upper Limb Centre Clinical Research Laboratory, St. Joseph's Health Centre, 268 Grosvenor St., London, Ontario, N6A 3A8, Canada.
The Open Orthopaedics Journal
|October 25, 2013
Summary
Knowledge translation (KT) bridges the gap between research and practice through a dynamic process. Effective KT strategies and tools, like decision aids, are crucial for implementing evidence-based care, such as for neck pain management.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Knowledge Translation
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Clinical research alone does not ensure practice change.
- Knowledge translation (KT) is essential for moving research into practice.
- KT is a complex, non-linear process involving synthesis, transfer, adoption, and implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of knowledge translation strategies and tools in implementing best clinical practices.
- To highlight the importance of theoretical frameworks and taxonomies in KT tool development.
- To provide examples of KT tools for managing neck pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of knowledge translation principles and theoretical frameworks.
- Identification and description of various KT tools, including clinical practice guidelines, decision aids, and toolkits.
- Exemplification of two KT tools for neck pain management: a clinician implementation guide and a patient decision aid.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation requires KT strategies grounded in theory, evidence, and best practices.
- Tools like clinical practice guidelines, patient decision aids, and evidence summaries support KT.
- Integrating KT frameworks, taxonomies, clinical expertise, and evidence is key for developing effective clinical tools.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge translation is a critical field for improving healthcare practice.
- Theoretical frameworks and taxonomies guide the development and implementation of KT tools.
- Effective KT tools, tailored to knowledge users and contexts, are vital for implementing evidence-based interventions, exemplified by neck pain management.
