What Do the People Who Use the Research Results Think? Attempting Integrated Knowledge Translation in the 'Knowledge Creation' Phase

Andrea Rishworth

doi:10.13189/ujph.2016.040304

Abstract

Collaboration among researchers and knowledge users, referred to as integrated knowledge translation (iKT), (potentially) enhances the relevance and use of research, leading to improved policies and practice. However, iKT is often applied in idiosyncratic ways, limiting integration of both knowledge creation and action. Further, iKT is rarely used at the stage of knowledge creation. Rather, it is typically used at the stage of knowledge synthesis or dissemination. This paper reports results of one part of a larger research program undertaking iKT through the integration of knowledge users and scientists in the process of knowledge creation around food allergies in Canada. A focus group discussion with 14 knowledge users involved in an ongoing biomedical research project was conducted with the purpose to: (1) share results of recent national survey data describing the prevalence and determinants of food allergy in Canada; and (2) elicit input into the next wave of survey activity in order to ensure the relevance of the next round of data collection. Stakeholders reported a lack of relevant, credible data sources to establish accurate understandings of food allergy for constituents. Confusion and doubt around information resources underline issues of insufficient knowledge translation, hindering knowledge user's credibility as providers of important public health messages. Integrating knowledge users in the process of knowledge creation is essential to facilitate stronger communication between researchers and knowledge users, help modify approaches, and improve population health outcomes; in short, iKT makes science useful.

Highlights

The co-production of knowledge, involving meaningful interaction between knowledge producers and knowledge users, is a documented influential means of enabling evidence-informed policy and practice [1,2,3]
With growing concern that research findings are often unsuccessfully applied in practice [4], knowledge translation (KT) and its guiding Knowledge to Action Framework (‘the KTA Framework’) [4] are promulgated as ways to deliver improved health care interventions that will, in turn, positively affect the health of populations
This definition encapsulates the ‘knowledge to action’ cycle that involves synthesizing knowledge, interacting with target users to assess needs and identify barriers, using that information to tailor knowledge products and select implementation strategies, and ongoing monitoring to evaluate impact [4]. This action cycle is more commonly referred to as integrated knowledge translation given the primary aim of facilitating continuous interaction among researchers and knowledge users. iKT involves the development of a relationship between researchers and decision-makers for the purpose of engaging in a mutually beneficial project or program of research [6]. iKT is distinguished from KT through its emphasis on partnership and collaboration [4]

Summary

Introduction

The co-production of knowledge, involving meaningful interaction between knowledge producers and knowledge users, is a documented influential means of enabling evidence-informed policy and practice [1,2,3]. [A] dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system This process takes place within a complex system of interactions between researchers and knowledge users which may vary in intensity, complexity and level of engagement depending on the nature of the research and the findings as well as the needs of the particular knowledge user. This definition encapsulates the ‘knowledge to action’ cycle that involves synthesizing knowledge, interacting with target users to assess needs and identify barriers, using that information to tailor knowledge products and select implementation strategies, and ongoing monitoring to evaluate impact [4] This action cycle is more commonly referred to as integrated knowledge translation (iKT) given the primary aim of facilitating continuous interaction among researchers and knowledge users. This action cycle is more commonly referred to as integrated knowledge translation (iKT) given the primary aim of facilitating continuous interaction among researchers and knowledge users. iKT involves the development of a relationship between researchers and decision-makers (i.e. clinicians, managers, policy-makers, etc.) for the purpose of engaging in a mutually beneficial project or program of research [6]. iKT is distinguished from KT through its emphasis on partnership and collaboration [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results