How should we assess knowledge translation in research organizations; designing a knowledge translation self-assessment tool for research institutes (SATORI)

Jaleh Gholami,Saharnaz Nedjat,Bahareh Yazdizadeh,Reza Majdzadeh,Mahnaz Ashoorkhani,Sima Nedjat,Katayoun Maleki

doi:10.1186/1478-4505-9-10

Jaleh Gholami, Saharnaz Nedjat + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4505-9-10

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Abstract

BackgroundThe knowledge translation self-assessment tool for research institutes (SATORI) was designed to assess the status of knowledge translation in research institutes. The objective was, to identify the weaknesses and strengths of knowledge translation in research centres and faculties associated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).MethodsThe tool, consisting of 50 statements in four main domains, was used in 20 TUMS-affiliated research centres and departments after its reliability was established. It was completed in a group discussion by the members of the research council, researchers and research users' representatives from each centre and/or department.ResultsThe mean score obtained in the four domains of 'The question of research', 'Knowledge production', 'Knowledge transfer' and 'Promoting the use of evidence' were 2.26, 2.92, 2 and 1.89 (out of 5) respectively.Nine out of 12 interventional priorities with the lowest quartile score were related to knowledge transfer resources and strategies, whereas eight of them were in the highest quartile and related to 'The question of research' and 'Knowledge production'.ConclusionsThe self-assessment tool identifies the gaps in capacity and infrastructure of knowledge translation support within research organizations. Assessment of research institutes using SATORI pointed out that strengthening knowledge translation through provision of financial support for knowledge translation activities, creating supportive and facilitating infrastructures, and facilitating interactions between researchers and target audiences to exchange questions and research findings are among the priorities of research centres and/or departments.

Highlights

The knowledge translation self-assessment tool for research institutes (SATORI) was designed to assess the status of knowledge translation in research institutes
The knowledge translation model was designed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) as a framework to identify knowledge translation capacities and weaknesses in the university and to suggest appropriate and necessary interventions, a detailed report of which has already been published elsewhere [11]
The four main domains and their sub-domains are as follows: 1- The question of research: Do we identify decision makers’ research needs and convert them into research questions? This covers two sub-domains of resources and strategies 2- Knowledge production: Do we produce useful evidence for decision making? 3- Knowledge transfer: Do we have appropriate means for disseminating the organization’s research results to their target audiences? This covers two sub-domains of resources and strategies (16 statements) 4- Promoting the use of evidence: Do we help decision makers utilize research results better?

Summary

Introduction

The knowledge translation self-assessment tool for research institutes (SATORI) was designed to assess the status of knowledge translation in research institutes. The objective was, to identify the weaknesses and strengths of knowledge translation in research centres and faculties associated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). Knowledge translation, considered as both strategies and processes, has received worldwide attention in the application of health research for decision making in many universities in recent years [1,2]. Various knowledge translation models have been designed in different fields of study (i.e., social sciences, nursing, and health services) and for a variety of organizations, each one of which emphasizes one aspect of knowledge translation. The knowledge translation model was designed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) as a framework to identify knowledge translation capacities and weaknesses in the university and to suggest appropriate and necessary interventions, a detailed report of which has already been published elsewhere [11]

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