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Using Complexity to Simplify Knowledge Translation Comment on "Using Complexity and Network Concepts to Inform
Anita Kothari1, Shannon L Sibbald1
1School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
International Journal of Health Policy and Management
|June 24, 2018
Summary
Bridging the knowledge-to-action gap in healthcare requires understanding complexity. Applying network and complex adaptive systems theory to knowledge translation (KT) may improve outcomes, but practical solutions need further exploration.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Implementation Science
- Systems Science
Background:
- The knowledge-to-action gap poses a significant challenge in translating health research into practice.
- Knowledge translation (KT), knowledge mobilization, implementation science, and research impact are key concepts addressing this gap.
- Existing KT frameworks often overlook the role of complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of complexity and network theories to knowledge translation (KT).
- To examine how concepts from complex adaptive systems theory can enhance KT processes.
- To identify critical considerations for applying these theories in real-world healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and theoretical synthesis.
- Examination of network theory and complex adaptive systems theory in the context of KT.
- Analysis of existing challenges in KT and potential theoretical solutions.
Main Results:
- Complexity and network theories provide valuable explanatory power for understanding the challenges in KT.
- These theories suggest that viewing KT through a systems lens may lead to improved outcomes.
- However, the theories offer limited guidance on developing practical solutions for KT.
Conclusions:
- Integrating complexity and network theories offers a novel perspective on the knowledge-to-action gap.
- While explanatory, these theories require further development to guide actionable KT strategies.
- Future research should focus on bridging the theoretical insights with practical implementation approaches in healthcare.