Improving KT tools and products: development and evaluation of a framework for creating optimized,...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Knowledge Translation Science

Background:

• Quality improvement initiatives have shown limited impact on healthcare services.
• Existing knowledge translation (KT) guidance lacks operational detail and fails to address diverse knowledge user needs.
• There is a need for better strategies to develop effective KT tools and interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework for creating optimized Knowledge-activated Tools (KaT).
• To refine and evaluate the KaT framework using expert consensus and knowledge user feedback.
• To assess the potential usefulness of an online, interactive version of the KaT framework.

Main Methods:

• A 3-phase study involving framework development, a Delphi study with KT experts, and an online survey of knowledge users.
• Phase 1: Synthesized existing KT models, systematic reviews, and literature on KT guidance tools.
• Phase 2 & 3: Refined the conceptual framework via a 3-round Delphi study and evaluated an online mock-up with 201 knowledge users.

Main Results:

• A conceptual KaT framework was developed and refined with 35 KT experts.
• The final framework serves as a blueprint for creating KT strategies.
• Knowledge users rated the online KaT mock-up favorably, indicating high perceived need and usefulness (mean scores 4.30-4.79).

Conclusions:

• The KaT framework and its online version are perceived as important and needed by Canadian KT experts and knowledge users.
• The KaT framework is expected to clarify how to identify KT needs and select appropriate activities.
• It aims to streamline KT activities for more efficient knowledge uptake in healthcare.