What is Knowledge Translation?

By: Jessica Vaught, PT, DPT, NCS, Physical Therapy Advisor

Most of us have been in a situation where we learn something new at a continuing education course, in a new program, or at an in-service that we want to put into practice in the workplace, but nothing ever happens. This happens a lot with evidence-based practice in healthcare. Clinicians want to help their patients achieve the best outcomes, so they learn about new research and techniques; however, there are many reasons why change is hard.

Think of an example of a new piece of equipment that a therapist learns about that has led to some excellent results with patients. The therapist must make the case to purchase the equipment, wait for it to be purchased, learn to use it, and teach others how to use it. Additionally, the therapist may need to develop protocols for how the new equipment is used and then measure how effective it is. In fact, there is a well-documented 17-year gap between the creation and implementation of research-based evidence.(1)

What is Knowledge Translation?

Knowledge translation is defined as a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and ethically-sound application of knowledge.(2) To put it simply, knowledge translation is the process by which new information gets effectively put into practice. Knowledge translation is not linear and is typically a cyclical process that involves interactive groups, multiple activities, frequent check-ins and measurement of results, and often some changes to process along the way.

Why is Knowledge Translation Important?

Knowledge translation provides a framework to better implement new information or practices. Improved outcomes should always be a goal in healthcare as, clinically, this translates to improved patient function.

At Sheltering Arms Institute, we have a clinical science team that assists with the process of knowledge translation with the goal of closing the gap between evidence and practice to improve patient outcomes. Our clinical leaders and other partners develop and implement best practices that deliver best outcomes. Some examples include facilitating the creation of clinical practice guidelines, developing and standardizing competencies, and providing resources to allow therapists to elevate their treatments with the goal of decreasing the time and burden of putting new evidence into practice.

References

1. Morris, Z. S., Wooding, S., & Grant, J. (2011). The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research. Journal of the royal society of medicine, 104(12), 510-520.

2. Government of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Knowledge Translation (25 October 2005). “About Knowledge Translation – CIHR”. Cihr-irsc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2012-10-31.