Does our organization take the actions possible for utilization of knowledge? Aban 1389 Self-assessment tool KTE-TUMS Group

What is this tool? This tool is the result of a research done in TUMS. A qualitative study and literature review was done on organizations producing research-based knowledge and more than 200 articles were reviewed.

The end-result of this research project is a model (knowledge translation model) that introduces these barriers.

Dr sadighi’s Article

MODEL The barriers to knowledge transfer have been identified and categorized.

The KTE Model of TUMS

The application of this model has resulted in a self- assessment tool with which researchers of any institute (be it the university, college, private or public research center) can use to identify the barriers to knowledge transfer in their own settings.

Once they have answered the items and identified their barriers, they can suggest appropriate solutions to improve the situation.

This tool has been assessed for validity and reliability in another research project, And it has shown its applicability through pre-tests that have been done in some universities and research centers.

Content Validity Literature review and qualitative research have provided acceptable content validity of the questionnaire, meaning these questions cover all important points in each organization, so it is important to answer each one of them.

This tool has been designed in four sections: The question of research: can we identify the decision makers' needs of research and turn them into research questions? Knowledge production: is it possible to produce evidence that is useful for decision making? Knowledge transfer: whether we have appropriate means for disseminating the organizations' research results to their target audiences or not. Promoting the use of evidence: do we help the decision makers in utilization of the research results?

'Knowledge transfer' and 'knowledge translation' are clearly different from each other.

Decision makers These groups may be policy makers, executive managers, hospital managers, healthcare providers such as physicians, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and … and also patient groups or the society.

Research producing organizations Any institution that has the ability to define a research project and approve it, such as research centers and schools.

Three models can be described with respect to decision makers (policy makers) cooperation: Formal Supporter: Decision makers are unaware of the ongoing activities of research; support the goals of research; legalize the execution of research; and facilitate access to the resources Responsive Audience: Decision makers provide the information he needs; and sets up necessary connections. The researcher informs the decision makers of the research activities through written reports. Integral Partner: Decision maker is completely involved in the research process and is an influential member of the research team.

How to use this tool? Considering the users of your research Responding to the statements of self-assessment in this tool Prioritization of the problems identified Choosing interventions for the problems that are priority

In the items of this guide it is necessary to keep in mind that many of the topics that result in the strengthening of research strengthen knowledge transfer too. It should be evaluated in a qualitative approach.

It is the first tool that was designed for assessment of knowledge transfer activity in research producer organizations. The similar tool for assessment of knowledge transfer activity in decision maker organizations was designed previously.

Group Work