Let's Talk Knowledge Translation

What better topic to explore under ‘Knowledge’ than ‘Knowledge Translation’?! Knowledge Translation or KT is a fairly new concept evolving from the early 2000’s and can be explained as the exchange, synthesis and application of knowledge between researchers and end users¹ to incorporate this evidence based information into practice² to strengthen outcomes and improve people’s lives³. How can this exchange of information beween those who create the knowledge and those who use it be effective and successful? Dialogues, interactions and partnerships between different groups of knowledge creators and users at all stages of the research process is essential for effective KT⁴. Examples of these groups are:

- “Researchers within and across research disciplines
- Policymakers, planners, and managers throughout the health-care, public-health, and health public-policy systems
- Health-care providers in formal and informal systems of care
- General public, patient groups, and those who help to shape their views and/or represent their interests, including the media, educators, nongovernmental organizations, and the voluntary sector
- The private sector, including venture capital firms, manufacturers, and distributors”^2:2

There are several models and frameworks in the literature to guide the KT process and selection would depend on factors such as research goals, target audience and the user requirements. There may have historically been disconnect between research initiatives and what the end user perceives as relevant, applicable or transferrable so KT looks to change this. Knowledge has been described as having three potential applications: Instrumental use (applying research results in specific and direct ways such as a protocol used for decision making), conceptual use (using research results for general enlightenment or to change one’s thinking but not necessarily actions) and symbolic use (using research results often politically to legitimise and sustain either opposition or practice)^2:5

How do we know our KT process is working? You could measure how the knowledge is being used and to measure users behaviours as a result of that knowledge. For example:

1.       “Reviewing research literature to identify knowledge for use in practice
2.      Evaluating research study to determine its value for practice
3.      Transferring the research knowledge into useful practice activities
4.      Planning for the implementation and evaluation of such practices
5.      Discontinuing or rejecting practice activities because of the research knowledge learned”^2:26
 
Alternatively, the knowledge could be considered and rejected; have no action at all taken; be considered; initial steps made towards implementation; partial implementation; implemented as presented; or implemented and adapted². There are some fantastic examples of KT happening right here in Australia. Click below to read about Lowitja Institute’s work for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander through KT and supporting indigenous researchers. Perhaps you could be inspired to collaborate with your local university research team to apply KT outcomes to our residential and retirement communities!

https://healthvoices.org.au/issues/april-2018/turning-research-action-knowledge-translation/

References

1.      Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2005). About knowledge translation. Retrieved September 9, 2006, from http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/29418.html

2.      Sudsawad, P. (2007). Knowledge translation: Introduction to models, strategies, and measures. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research.

3.      National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research. (2005). What is Knowledge Translation? FOCUS: Technical Brief, No. 10. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. Retrieved March 7, 2007, from https://ktdrr.org/ktlibrary/articles_pubs/ncddrwork/focus/focus10/Focus10.pdf

4.      Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2004). Knowledge translation strategy 2004–2009: Innovation in action. Retrieved September 9, 2006, from http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/26574.html

5.      Estabrooks, C. A. (1999). The conceptual structure of research utilization. Research in Nursing & Health, 22, 203–216.