Growing and fostering knowledge translation: Recommendations for health organisations from the SPHERE Envisionarium

Abstract

ObjectivesDespite considerable investments in health research, there is a disconnect between what is known to enhance healthcare and how healthcare is delivered in situ. Knowledge translation (KT) plays a vital role in addressing this disconnect. Some governments promote KT via initiatives that encourage collaboration between researchers, clinicians, communities and others; this includes Maridulu Budyari Gumal SPHERE (Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise). To promote KT and address the knowledge-to-action gap, we held an envisionarium with SPHERE members, to generate recommendations to promote KT in, and beyond, SPHERE. Methods: To discern these recommendations, an envisionarium was facilitated with SPHERE members. Participants included researchers, healthcare providers and others (n = 16). Participants considered how KT can be fostered and promoted. Discussion notes and participant responses were thematically analysed. Results: Four recommendations were identified, accompanied by practical steps to action these to enable health and research institutions to foster KT. These include the need to: provide access to resources; reconceptualise impact and innovation; promote the legitimacy of different knowledges; and engage everyone in KT. Conclusions: These recommendations are important for three reasons. First, they demonstrate that KT requires more than funding – it also requires networks that buoy the dynamic flow of knowledge in its varied manifestations. Second, the recommendations demonstrate the importance of supportive organisational mechanisms that inculcate positive, KT-friendly structures or cultures, while affording individuals the opportunity to organically foster innovation. Third, they demonstrate the methodological value of envisionariums to disrupt the status quo and envision different ways to promote KT.