Knetwork :: Knowledge Dissemination Network for the Atlantic Area

Excerpt taken from: Lost in Knowledge Translation: Time for a Map? (*) 

 “Patients are denied treatment of proven benefit because the time it takes for research to become incorporated into practice is unacceptably long. High-quality evidence is not consistently applied in practice”. That is just a clear example of the difficulties to transfer the research findings into practice. As the authors mention “Research findings are not making their way into practice in a timely fashion, coupled with the current emphasis on evidence-based, cost–effective …”.

There is confusion and misunderstanding about the concepts of knowledge translation, knowledge transfer, knowledge exchange, research utilization, implementation, diffusion, and dissemination.

After exploring a enormous amount of sources, the authors provide a selection of key concept that could be useful and particularly for the K-Network project. They come along with the KTA concept, which includes 3 different stages:

Knowledge-to-action (KTA): “We highlight the importance of understanding (1) the complete KTA process, (2) the range of stakeholders involved beyond practitioners, and (3) conceptual frameworks that may be useful for facilitating the use of research in practice settings”.

What follows is a very personal selection and summarization of the concepts analyzed through the paper. As can be seen, the authors tend to provide a three step (generations) to understand and organize the different levels of knowledge.

First-generation knowledge: when knowledge is in its natural state and largely unrefined, like diamonds in the rough. Identify a problem that needs addressing. Determining whether there is a knowledge-practice gap that needs filling with the identified knowledge.

 

1.     Knowledge Translation: “The exchange, synthesis and ethically-sound application of knowledge - within a complex system of interactions among researchers and users - to accelerate the capture of the benefits of research (...) systematic review, identification, aggregation and practical application”.

Knowledge synthesis or second-generation knowledge: Aggregation of existing knowledge. It involves the application of explicit and reproducible methods to the identification, appraisal, and synthesis of studies or information relevant. Identify, review, and select the knowledge or research relevant to the problem. Adapt the identified knowledge or research to the local context.

 

2.     Knowledge Transfer: to capture, collect and share tacit knowledge in order for it to become explicit knowledge (...) access and utilize essential information. This is probably the one most commonly used (…) getting knowledge used by stakeholders.

3.     Knowledge Exchange: collaborative problem-solving between researchers (…) involves interaction between decision makers and researchers and results in mutual learning through the process of planning, producing, disseminating, and applying existing or new research in decision-making. Turning knowledge into action and encompasses the processes of both knowledge creation and knowledge application.

4.     Research Utilization: research-based knowledge (science). Knowledge transfer and exchange in this context involves bringing together researchers and decision makers and facilitating their interaction, which starts with collaborating on determining the research question. 

Third-generation knowledge: Knowledge tools or products. Present knowledge in clear, concise, and user- friendly formats and ideally to provide explicit recommendations. Facilitate and promote awareness and implementation of the knowledge.

5.     Dissemination: spreading of knowledge or research (tailoring the message and targeting it to a particular audience) and from implementation (systematic efforts to encourage adoption).

6.     Diffusion: spreading of knowledge or research (e.g.: journals). Dissemination and diffusion: promulgation of knowledge products to increase stakeholders’ awareness of them or the specific and discrete strategies used to promulgate knowledge products.

7.     Sustainability: feedback loop.

+ A highly recommend Knowledge Glossary, can be found at the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR).