1. Knowledge Translation
BJ LeJeune, CVRT, CRC

2. Research to Practice: Is it too big a leap?

3. Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice (EBP) "is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and [consumer] values" (Sackett, Straus, Richardson, Rosenberg, & Haynes, 2000, p. 1). Clinical expertise refers to the use of practice skills and past experience to rapidly identify each [consumer's] unique circumstances and characteristics, "their individual risks and benefits of potential interventions, and their personal values and expectations."

4. Hierarchy of Levels of Best Research Evidence (Boothroyd,2006)
Literature Review of Research Findings
Randomized Controlled Experimental Research
Non-randomized Controlled Experimental Research
Single Subject (Retrospective, Replicated)
Case Studies (Retrospective)
Expert Opinion

5. In our field what are best levels of research evidence?
Best Research!
Systemized Literature Review of Research Findings
Single Subject (Retrospective, Replicated)
Pre-Post Test measure of capabilities
Case Studies (Retrospective)
Expert Opinion

6. NIDRR Commitment to Useful Research (No, that is not an Oxymoron!)
All NIDRR grantees share a goal “to promote the generation and effective use of knowledge in areas of importance to individuals with disabilities and their families” (NIDRR Long-Range Plan for ).

7. What is Knowledge Translation?
The term knowledge translation (KT) is increasing in importance and used in the fields of public health, medicine, and now in rehabilitation research.
KT is a relatively new term in our field to describe an old problem – the under-utilization of evidence-based research in systems of care and practice.

8. Research to Policy and Practice
Knowledge Translation
Research
Policy Makers and Service Providers
Consumer Needs

9. Question
Do you use recent research findings to establish practice or policy guidelines in serving consumers who have visual impairments?
_____Yes ______No
???

10. How does research make it into practice?
Practical, applicable and relevant
Presented in a way that expands possibilities
Move from “content absorption” to “conversation utilization”
Partnerships, Collaborations and Cooperative Activities
Levesque, P. (October, 2013). Knowledge Translation Measurement.
KT Expo Conference for NIDRR Grantees.

11. Common Obstacles to Research Usage
The research is not relevant to practice.
The research is not timely.
The research is not communicated in ways relevant to the user.
Administrative pressures overwhelm research based- evidence in decision making.
Source: Allen, P., et al. (2007). Commissioning research that is used: the experience of the NHS Services delivery and organization research development programme. Evidence & Policy, 3 (1): as presented by Levesque, P. (October, 2013). Knowledge Translation Measurement. KT Expo Conference for NIDRR Grantees.

12. Enhancing Employment Outcomes
NIDRR Research Goals
VR Agency Goals
Short range research outcomes – Gain Knowledge
Intermediate range research outcomes – Changes in Practice
Long range research outcomes – Policy Changes
Short range –Increase in applicable knowledge for direct service providers
Intermediate – Improved practice, procedures that impact individual consumer employment outcomes
Long Range – Significant and relevant policy development that increase employment outcomes for consumers

13. Question
What is the typical lag time from research findings in health research until those findings are put into practice?
5 years
12 years
17 years
years
???

14. Stats on Knowledge Translation for Health-Related Research
Eighty six percent of research never makes it into practice.
Of the remaining 14%, there is a 17 year lag on research to practice
Several areas where research gets bogged down in the translation process.
Establishing Research Priorities
Peer Review Process
Publication Priorities
Lack of development of Guidelines for practice
Dissemination process – is the information getting to the right people in a viable format?

15. Question
What do you think is the most effective way your direct service providers, such as Rehabilitation Counselors, learn about “Best Practice” or Evidence Based Practice Guidelines?
Read journal articles
In-service training
On-line training
In their graduate training program
Research is not emphasized or useful

16. What are current resources to find research based professional development training?
The NRTC on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Technical Assistance Continuing Education Centers (RSA Funded)
University Programs
Envision
Hadley School for the Blind
Perkins
The Carroll Center
American Foundation for the Blind
Lighthouse International
Other private agencies and vendor-based training

17. NRTC Dissemination: Training Activities
Vision Specialist Program
On-line Continuing Education Training
Multi-Module Courses
Short Courses (Free for CRC credit)
Articles to read and digest (
National Technical Assistance Website (

18. NRTC Workshops with State Agencies
Grant allowed for 2 joint funded state workshops per year
In the first four years we have had 9: KY, MS (2), MA (2), ME, DC (2), WV
Topics have included: Medical Aspects of Blindness and Low Vision, TBI and Vision Loss, Successful Placement of Older Blind Adults, Adjustment to Vision Loss, Transition, Cross-Generational Communications, Job Readiness, and Strategies to Enhance Employment Outcomes from Current Research Activities

19. Other NRTC Training Activities
Vision Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate (In the last 5 years we have had 36 graduates from 22 states: GA, VA, CO, TX, AL, AL, LA, MS, ME, MI, CA, WA, DC, OR, NC, NV, ND, TN, FL, MN, ID, MD)
Webinars with Hadley School for the Blind, NW TACE X, and South-Central TACE VI, Southeast TACE IV, and East Coast TACE V
Training Workshops with Mississippi Department of Education, MAER, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi Deaf-Blind Children and Youth,

20. Dissemination: Technical Assistance
National Technical Assistance Website (
Discussion Group
Talk with a Researcher Conference calls
Call

21. Other Dissemination Activities
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Other articles and monographs
Guidelines for Consumers and Service Providers (on website)
Conference Presentations

22. Bridging the Gap!
Research
Practice

23. References and Resources
Boothroyd, A. (September, 2006). Adult aural rehabilitation: What is it? Does it work? State of the Science Conference on Hearing Enhancement. Gallaudet University, Washington, DC.
Levesque, P. (October, 2013). Knowledge Translation Measurement. KT Expo Conference for NIDRR Grantees. Webinar.