Integrated Knowledge Translation Guiding Principles for Conducting and Disseminating Spinal Cord Injury Research in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Health Services Research
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• A significant gap exists between spinal cord injury (SCI) research findings and their practical application.
• Effective knowledge translation is crucial for bridging this gap and maximizing research impact.
• Developing co-created principles is essential for fostering meaningful research partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically co-develop integrated knowledge translation (IKT) guiding principles for SCI research.
• To enhance the conduct and dissemination of SCI research through user-researcher partnerships.
• To address the need for evidence-based guidance in SCI research translation.

Main Methods:

• A systematic data collection process from four sources (review of reviews, scoping review, interviews, Delphi exercise) identified 125 principles.
• A multidisciplinary expert panel (17 members) and end-users (35 members) collaborated.
• The Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation (AGREE) II Instrument guided the development process.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 8 guiding principles and a comprehensive guidance document.
• The final guidance includes a preamble and a glossary.
• Survey data confirmed the principles and guidance were perceived as clear, useful, and appropriate by end-users.

Conclusions:

• The developed IKT Guiding Principles are the first rigorously co-developed, consensus-based guidance for SCI research partnerships.
• These principles can improve the relevance and impact of SCI research.
• The guidance has the potential to mitigate tokenism and advance the science of IKT.