Knowledge Translation: An overview Genevieve Creighton Manager, Knowledge Translation Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research

Here’s what we will cover today: What is knowledge translation (KT)? Why is KT important? KT requirements for the Scholar and Health Professional- Investigator Programs Ways to embed KT activities into your program of research What is KT science? How will KT be evaluated?

What is knowledge translation (KT)? The broad range of activities meant to improve the use of research evidence in practice, policy and further research

KT is not linear…

Many different terms for KT activities… Active Research Knowledge Transfer Diffusion of Innovation Knowledge Exchange Dissemination Knowledge Mobilization Evaluation Research Implementation Science Evidence-based Practice Technology Transfer Knowledge Transfer and Exchange Translational Research

CIHR Definition of KT1 “a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system”

CIHR Definition of KT1: Dissemination – identifying the appropriate audience and tailoring the message and medium to the audience E.g., summaries for/briefings to stakeholders educational sessions creation of tools media engagement publications conference presentations

CIHR Definition of KT1: Synthesis - the contextualization and integration of research findings of individual research studies within the larger body of knowledge on the topic E.g., practice guidelines result from a consensus conference or expert panel realist synthesis narrative synthesis systematic or rapid reviews meta-analysis meta-syntheses 1http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/39033.html#Definition. Accessed Oct 2013

CIHR Definition of KT1: Exchange – interactions between the evidence user and the researcher at any or all stages of the research process Effective exchange involves interactions between knowledge users and researchers that result in mutual learning through the process of planning, producing, disseminating, and applying existing or new research in decision-making2 1http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/39033.html#Definition. Accessed Oct 2013; 2Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF)

CIHR Definition of KT1: Ethically-sound application of knowledge – the iterative process by which new or existing research evidence is put into practice Can refer to both: the integration of evidence into existing programs, policies or practices, or the development of new evidence-informed programs, policies, practices, products and services

The Purpose of KT Findings from research Embedded in the realities of the social world Wide-scale dissemination and implementation of effective policies, practices, programs Stakeholders: researchers research users

What problem are we trying to solve? Despite the considerable resources devoted to research, transfer of findings into practice and policy is slow and haphazard

Context is critical What are elements of environment or setting for which the knowledge will be translated? What are the broader values, cultures and norms in which these settings are situated?

The questions said to underpin KT… What should be transferred? To whom? By whom? In what way? With what outcome?

What are the three categories of KT? Integrated KT Research users are engaged as equal partners alongside researchers End of Grant/Project KT The researcher develops and implements a plan for making potential research-user audiences aware of the knowledge that is gained during a project Implementation/KT Science The science of translation/implementation research (studying determinants of knowledge use and effective methods of promoting knowledge uptake)

KT requirements from MSFHR New! KT related activities must be embedded within the program of research through, for example, research user engagement, research dissemination and/or research uptake activities. KT activities should be determined based on their appropriateness given the type of research, expected findings and target audience. Scholar applicants are strongly encouraged to engage research users throughout the research process. Additional program-specific information about KT can be found on our website (www.msfhr.org > Funding > Current Opportunities).

KT activities can be embedded at multiple stages of research Beginning Throughout your research At the end

Engage research users at the beginning of the research…

Engage research users over the course of the research

Engage research users at the end of the research to inform policy, practice and further research…

Arts based KT Decision aids Media Presentation to non-academic audience Community of practice Cafe scientifique Educational materials Opinion leader Presentation to academics or scientists (e.g., conference) Integrated KT (participation of research users in the research cycle as team members) Casebook Financial incentives Patent Press release Network Champions Guideline development Patient education Report Toolkit Clinical decision support system (i.e., interactive software) Interactive workshop or in-service training Performance feedback (i.e., audit & feedback) Social media Website Commercialization Journal publication Plain language summary Substitution of tasks Other? Computerized reminders Knowledge broker Policy brief Systematic review

KT Science Award Applicants may submit a program of research that is fully focused on KT science; these will be evaluated against set KT science evaluation criteria in addition to standard evaluation criteria. KT science explores the theories, mechanisms, concepts and/or methods by which evidence is used in healthcare practice and policy. It deepens our understanding of what works when, how and with who.  

Is this KT Science? A study uses behavioural theory approach to better understand the barriers and facilitators of physician hand hygiene compliance Development and validation of a patient engagement in research scale Understanding the relationship between the perceived characteristics of clinical practice guidelines and their uptake Implementing mental health recovery guidelines into services: a pan-Canadian study

KT Science Evaluation Criteria – 10 key ingredients The care gap or quality gap The evidence-based treatment to be implemented Conceptual model and theoretical justification Stakeholder priorities, engagement in change Setting’s readiness to adopt new services/treatments/programs Implementation strategy/process Team experience with the setting, treatment, implementation process Feasibility of proposed research design and methods Measurement and analysis section Policy/funding environment; leverage or support for sustaining change Proctor et al.: Writing implementation research grant proposals: ten key ingredients. Implementation Science 2012 7:96

Evaluation of KT Is your plan feasible given the human and financial resources in your research environment? Is there appropriate engagement with research users over the course of your program of research Is KT responsive to your research aims and objectives?

Take away messages Knowledge Translation is… Not just dissemination and diffusion Most effective when research users are engaged early in the process Strongly dependent on context Will look different according to type, stage and expected findings of research

Questions about KT and MSFHR Awards? Feel free to contact us: Genevieve Creighton Jessica Collins Knowledge Translation Manager Knowledge Translation Coordinator gcreighton@msfhr.org jcollins@msfhr.org 604.714.2797 604.714.5377 27