Knowledge exchange and knowledge translation in physical therapy and manual therapy fields: barriers, facilitators and issues

Abstract

Background: In the rehabilitation sciences field, including physical therapy and manual therapy, there is a gap between scientific evidence and its application in clinical practice. Transferring scientific evidence to clinicians and translating this knowledge into practice have been identified as a challenge in the healthcare field. The processes of knowledge exchange and knowledge translation in the physical therapy and manual therapy fields are very challenging and several barriers can be pointed out. These barriers are contributors to the gap between scientific evidence and its application in clinical practice. By identifying the existing barriers and applying strategies to improve knowledge exchange and knowledge translation, it will be possible to improve both scientific use and evidence-based practice.Objectives: To highlight the barriers interfering in the processes of knowledge exchange and translation in physical therapy and manual therapy fields, and to point out specific barriers that may affect the effectiveness of knowledge exchange and knowledge translation in the manual therapy field.Major findings: Various barriers in the knowledge exchange and translation processes were described, in the literature. These include issues with scientific publications such as lack of detailed description of the intervention used, confusing language, differences between dissemination/capture channels by interpretation issues. Enhancing the relationship between researchers and clinicians by using simple language is the most frequent strategy suggested to reduce the barriers of knowledge exchange and translation in the physical therapy and manual therapy fields.