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

2. 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?

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

4. KT is not linear…

5. 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

6. 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”

7. 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

8. 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:// Accessed Oct 2013

9. 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:// Accessed Oct 2013; 2Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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?

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

15. 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)

16. 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 ( > Funding > Current Opportunities).

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

18. Engage research users at the beginning of the research…

19. Engage research users over the course of the research

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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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

24. 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 :96

25. 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?

26. 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

27. Questions about KT and MSFHR Awards?
Feel free to contact us:
Genevieve Creighton
Jessica Collins
Knowledge Translation Manager
Knowledge Translation Coordinator 27