[How does knowledge reach health care practice? : Implementation research and knowledge circulation]

Area of Science:

• Health services research
• Knowledge management in healthcare

Background:

• Evidence-based knowledge is crucial in healthcare but often not implemented.
• The "knowledge-to-practice gap" is described by approximately 100 different concepts.
• Effective strategies are needed to translate research findings into routine healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify concepts addressing the knowledge-to-practice gap.
• Review implementation research and knowledge translation/circulation.
• Understand strategies for promoting evidence-based practices in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science).
• Narrative review due to the large volume and heterogeneity of relevant articles.
• Focus on the most significant concepts related to knowledge implementation.

Main Results:

• Implementation research systematically promotes research uptake into practice for improved health services.
• Knowledge translation encompasses knowledge synthesis and has a broader scope.
• "Knowledge circulation" emphasizes the bidirectional sharing between research and practice.

Conclusions:

• Implementation research and knowledge circulation are similar, aiming to integrate knowledge into practice at multiple levels (micro, meso, macro).
• Developing strategies to bridge the research-practice gap often involves complex research questions.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for addressing these complex research questions effectively.