Knowledge translation (KT) is a complex and multidimensional concept that demands a comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms, methods, and measurements, as well as of its influencing factors at the individual and contextual levelsand the interaction between both those levels. This literature review, although not intended to be an in-depth or systematic review of any one aspect of knowledge translation, is designed to bring together several aspects of it from selected literature for the purpose of raising awareness, connecting thoughts and perspectives, and stimulating ideas and questions about knowledge translation for future research of this area of inquiry in rehabilitation. The body of work included in this review was selected from frequently cited and thought-provoking literature and represents a variety of thoughts and approaches that are applicable to knowledge
translation.
This article aims at presenting what the knowledge translation is, and several features of knowledge translation.Knowledge translation (KT) is a relatively new term coined by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in 2000. CIHR defined KT as the exchange, synthesis and ethically-sound application of knowledge within a complex system of interactions among researchers and usersto accelerate the capture of the benefits of research for Canadians through improved health, more effective services and products, and a strengthened health care system (CIHR, 2005, para. 2).
Since then, a few other definitions of KT have been developed. Adapted from the CIHR definition, the Knowledge Translation Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (2004), stated its definition of knowledge translation as the effective and timely incorporation of evidence-based information into the practices of health professionals in such a way as to effect optimal health care outcomes and maximize the potential of the health system.
Recently, the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) proposed
another working definition of KT as the collaborative and systematic review, assessment, identification,
aggregation, and practical application of high-quality disability and rehabilitation research by key
stakeholders (i.e., consumers, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers) for the purpose of improving
the lives of individuals with disabilities (NCDDR, 2005).
There are several characteristics of knowledge translation:
1 KT includes all steps between the creation of new knowledge and its application.
2 KT needs multidirectional communications.
3. KT is an interactive process.
4. KT requires ongoing collaborations among relevant parties.
5 KT includes multiple activities.
6 KT is a nonlinear process.
7 KT emphasizes the use of research-generated knowledge (that may be used in conjunction with other types of knowledge).
8 KT involves diverse knowledge-user groups.
9 KT is user- and context-specific.
10 KT is impact-oriented.
11 KT is an interdisciplinary process.
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