1. Professor Alison Bullock Cardiff University
SEWAHSP Strategy Launch
Working together for knowledge transfer

2. Overview
An illustration of HS&DR members working together to implement strategy
Knowledge transfer – what it is and why it’s important
Challenges
What we’ve done so far
Reflections and future plans

3. What is knowledge transfer?
Knowledge transfer (KT) is about the translation of research into impacts
getting news of research findings (knowledge) and innovations to practitioners
application - practitioners using research knowledge in their decision-making
bringing together research and practitioner communities (exchange).

4. The translation process
Fundamental
Science
Impacts
Gap 4 – Population Sciences
Gap 1
Gap 2
Gap 3
Community,
Population, Policy
Trials & well designed studies
Innovation &
Discovery
Research Translation

5. Why is it important?
Innovation and research translation recognised as key policy drivers (Welsh Government Policies, SEWAHSP strategy).
KT is one of the HS&DR Group’s five research priorities.
Important for practitioners in all priority areas (cancer, cardio-respiratory, diabetes, genetics...) as well as managers of service delivery and educators of practitioners.
All need the know and apply the most recent research findings and innovations.
Helps practitioners provide the best care, improve health and well-being, and enhances quality and safety

6. Knowledge transfer and exchange
KTE mechanisms
can improve the quality and relevance of research projects
can develop capacity in practitioner, managerial and education communities for accessing, appraising and using research evidence
can encourage greater engagement, linkage and exchange between research and practice communities

7. Challenges
Low status of research related to service delivery and education of healthcare professionals
Share of funding for HS&DR is low relative to its importance
Capacity and capability of practitioners and NHS managers to engage with and use research
Relevance: matching research to need

8. A story of collaboration in HS&DRG
KT in the HS&DR strategy
Working together on applications
NISCHR AHSC call for clinical research time competition (May) for a Stage 1 Welsh study
NIHR HS&DR call for research to improve KT and innovation in healthcare delivery and organisation (outline May; full Sept): Getting the most out of knowledge and innovation transfer ‘agents’ in healthcare
Aims: to identify current mechanisms, gaps, barriers/enablers, shape development, evaluate; bring together researchers, managers, practitioners, policy makers

9. Features of the applications
Stage 1 for an NHS manager: local scoping work to complement and strengthen stage 2 national study
NIHR HS&DR application includes 2 HS&RD Group members and a senior NHS manager (for a-day-a-week) as co-applicants
Direct NHS input into the RQs
Provides capacity building opportunity
Aligns research and education to practice

10. Outcomes Continuing to seek cross-institutional support for Stage 1
Stage 2: awaiting outcome of NIHR HS&DR proposal
Diverse strengths adds value to applications
Task focused collaboration cements relationships
Clarifies KT aims

11. Reflections
SEWAHSP provides networking opportunity, brings together practitioners and academics to help address Research-Practice gap
Relationships and face-to-face contact are important for effective collaboration and later research utilization
Cooperation works but doesn’t happen spontaneously – needs structures, support (provided by SEWAHSP) and a task focus (e.g. funding applications)
Working with NHS practitioners/managers ensures relevant RQs
Involving knowledge users as partners in the research process is a strong predictor that findings will be used and the project will achieve a greater impact

12. The future Build on what we have and expand in line with evidence
Pursue more joint applications for funding and develop a programmatic approach to KT
Pilot work and exchange conversations with NHS (HB input)
Through HS&DRG, agree priorities for research and research use.
Translators to champion innovation and research translation
Secondments and clinical academic posts?
Education and training to develop research-aware NHS managers, and to build capacity and capability