Knowledge Translation Research Research Articles

Background There are gaps in translating climate change research into public health action at the global level. Knowledge translation refers to the methods used to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. Given the significant impacts of climate change on health, it is essential to integrate climate research into health decision-making processes. This integration ensures that evidence effectively informs policies and practices at all levels, leading to more timely, equitable, and impactful public health responses. Objective This scoping review examines key approaches and identifies gaps in knowledge translation methods for integrating climate change research into public health decision-making. Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus using a predefined search string to identify studies on climate change and health published between January 1, 2003, and March 1, 2024, with no geographic restrictions. Retrieved articles were screened and data extracted using Covidence software. Thematic analysis was performed in ATLAS.TI employing Braun and Clark’s six-step method. The identified knowledge translation approaches were categorized according to the Cochrane Knowledge Translation Framework. Findings Our findings highlight five primary knowledge translation approaches: (1) monitoring the coverage of climate change and health across media, scientific literature, and government responses; (2) engaging citizens of all ages in participatory activities to address local climate challenges and co-develop policy solutions; (3) integrating knowledge generation, synthesis, and dissemination for effective communication; (4) emphasizing advocacy and education to foster collaborations and gain support from decision-makers; and (5) leveraging health impact assessment tools to guide decision-making related to climate change and health. Nonetheless, we did not find any primary studies on climate change research and knowledge translation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Conclusion There is a need for primary studies on the knowledge translation of climate change research, especially in relation to adaptation, into meaningful public health actions that can inform decision-making and contribute to building climate-resilient health systems in LMICs.

Enabling real-world community pharmacy research: A realist review of practice-based research networks (PBRNs).

Health disparities in stroke disproportionately affect marginalized and disadvantaged communities. This review examines the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in addressing disparities through a mechanism-focused analytical framework rather than cataloging specific interventions. A thematic literature analysis identified 5 mechanisms by which NGOs contribute to health equity: community engagement and empowerment, place-based service delivery and inclusive cultural adaptation, intersectoral partnership and coalition building, policy advocacy and systems change, and research engagement and knowledge translation. By examining mechanisms, this review offers a deeper understanding of how NGOs contribute to health equity. NGOs' contributions to addressing disparities may stem from their capacity to activate multiple mechanisms simultaneously. Being embedded within the communities they serve can help develop responsive interventions addressing social determinants of health that traditional medical models often overlook. NGOs leverage relationships through clinical-community partnerships and community coalitions to improve experiences and outcomes for underrepresented populations. Despite their potential, NGOS face substantial challenges that affect all mechanisms, including limited visibility within formal systems, precarious funding models, policy and regulatory barriers that misalign with community-centered approaches, and operational constraints. These challenges reflect broader tensions between health care structures and the flexible, context-sensitive approaches needed to address complex health disparities. This mechanism-focused analysis suggests health systems should reconceptualize engagement with NGOs, not as a supplement to formal care but as a partner uniquely positioned to develop and deploy equity-enhancing interventions. Health care systems can create more effective and sustainable approaches to addressing health disparities by supporting these fundamental mechanisms rather than replicating individual programs.

Access to healthcare in Canada remains a significant issue, with over one in five people lacking attachment to a regular primary care provider. To address this, patients, health professionals, researchers and policymakers are advocating for health system transformation aimed at improving access and achieving the quintuple aim. As a result, research funding increasingly prioritizes health system transformation. However, whilst collaborative approaches such as integrated knowledge translation (IKT) are critical for success, trainees face barriers to integrating patient and public engagement into their research. These challenges include limited time and resources, difficulties in developing meaningful partnerships, tensions between independent intellectual contributions and collaborative research and academic structures that reinforce power imbalances. This commentary presents four trainee experiences that demonstrate successful capacity-building initiatives for trainees to embed patient and public engagement in health system transformation research. The first case study focusses on the Patient Expertise in Research Collaboration (PERC), which supports Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research-Primary Health Care (TUTOR-PHC) trainees in incorporating patient perspectives into primary healthcare research. The second highlights the role of the Integrated Knowledge Translation Research Network (IKTRN) in building trainee capacity through funding. The third explores a trainee experience with the ACCESS Open Minds Network (AOM). The fourth describes a trainee experience within a co-design study, the Enhancing Physical and Community MoBility in OLDEr Adults with Health Inequities Using CommuNity Co-Design (EMBOLDEN). These case studies provide insights into effective strategies for overcoming barriers to patient and public engagement in research. However, opportunities for such engagement remain uneven and depend on limited funding. To foster sustainable support, academic institutions must integrate these capacity-building initiatives, promoting a future of primary care in Canada that is inclusive, patient-centred and responsive to evolving population needs.

BackgroundIntegrated knowledge translation (iKT) represents an approach to optimizing health interventions research through active collaboration between researchers and knowledge users throughout the research process. To date, few studies have explored the process of engaging in iKT, particularly in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Building on a larger iKT-informed study exploring mindfulness-based interventions for people living with MS, this study explores the perspectives of iKT panellists and extended collaborators on the use of iKT in health research.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study utilized one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted using Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Interviews were 20–30 min in duration. An interview guide informed by the Ontario Brain Institute’s framework for patient engagement across the stages of research was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsA total of eight iKT partners were interviewed, five were members of the iKT panel and three were extended collaborators. Five themes on the use of iKT in health interventions research on MS were identified: (1) defining iKT, (2) motivation and meaningful participation in iKT, (3) the importance of networking in iKT, (4) balancing multiple perspectives, and (5) barriers and facilitators to engaging in iKT. Within these themes, interviewees highlighted the need for further definition and operationalization of concepts. Discussion on the representativeness of iKT partners and recruitment of ‘hard to reach’ knowledge users was also salient.ConclusionThe findings from this study provide useful considerations for other teams using an iKT approach. Future research directions include finding/maximizing meaningful ways for knowledge users to participate, exploring ways in which knowledge users could lead/co-lead (rather than consult on) research activities, and examining the potential role of an iKT facilitator.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40900-025-00763-7.

This theoretical paper explores the role of critical visual literacy in arts-based research methodologies and knowledge translation, emphasizing relevance in addressing issues of equity and societal impact. Arts-based engagements—including those intended to empower communities—emerge as potentially bringing inadvertent risks given existing evidence base on critical visual literacy. A review of literature identifies an operational definition of principles related to (1) safeguarding marginalized groups; (2) acknowledging diverse interpretation amidst dominant narratives and rule-making by mass-producers of visual media; and (3) analyzing political or other social norms embedded within imagery to prioritize community consent. In response, AI image-generation may support the fostering and application of critical visual literacy in academic settings if the digital divide and historic dataset of visual grammar can be addressed. Under the context of critical visual literacy and participatory engagement, a preliminary framework of machine learning is conceptualized. Integration may offer significant shifts in visual content creation towards critique, with increased capacity for larger-scale production potentially offering opportunities for disseminating new, community-based perspectives on visual grammar. Implications related to co-revision and dignifying the emotional attachment towards art and its critical evaluation conclude the paper.

Background: Research holds paramount importance in healthcare management within academic settings, playing a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes, innovating treatments and technologies, as well as advancing medical understanding. Objective: The objective of the study includes an overall understanding of research acumen among healthcare management students and the importance of research knowledge translation for practical applications. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design, comprising a comprehensive review of the literature, data extraction, and synthesis of 17 published papers on research literacy, healthcare management, and the integration of research in academic settings. Additionally, Primary Data was collected from 120 postgraduate students on their research acumen, interest, barriers, and facilitators of conducting research in the academic. Results: During postgraduate studies, 70.2% did not receive any formal training or coursework related to research methods and techniques. Skill development training was viewed as a preferred facilitator, while the lack of knowledge on how to get started was identified as the primary obstacle, among all other barriers. Conclusion: This study contributes to the discourse surrounding the critical role of research in shaping the future of healthcare management.

ABSTRACTThrough professional learning communities comprising preschool and primary school teachers, we investigated factors that facilitate or impede the implementation of neuroeducational principles, including repeated neuronal activation, active learning, spaced learning, feedback and mindset. Findings from this small‐scale qualitative study indicate that general factors, such as classroom management and curriculum overload, may impede the translation of research knowledge into teaching practice. Moreover, our study revealed that teachers also encounter principle‐specific barriers. These findings underscore the necessity for sustained implementation, as the impact on learning outcomes may not be immediately evident, even when applying well‐established principles such as spaced learning and feedback.

The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) has operated as an emergency research network in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand for 20 years. A focus on both knowledge generation and, over the last decade, knowledge translation research has produced more than 200 network publications. Active research sites have increased from the original 12 sites to 47, with enhanced representation of where children with acute illness present in both countries. We outline ongoing challenges across the network, which will be relevant for those providing acute paediatric care and to other emergency clinicians interested in multicentre research collaboration.

Knowledge Translation in Health-Oriented Research: A Continuing Education Article

Rural economic development practitioners are at the front line of facilitating prosperous rural economies, places, and environments across Ontario. The role of economic development practitioners has greatly evolved since the last comprehensive assessment in the early 2000s. This knowledge translation and transfer research initiative examines the role of rural economic development practitioners, determine the key skills and capacities required to succeed in field, identify what knowledge is needed to support rural economic development practitioners and identify the key formats for receiving new knowledge. This contribution provides an update on project activities to better understand how knowledge translation and transfer can support rural economic development and rural economies throughout Ontario.

BackgroundThe medical research community widely endorses the importance of ensuring that research outputs are relevant and accessible to knowledge users, as well as the value of engaging the latter in the conduct of research to achieve these goals. However, it appears these principles are reflected in actual medical research practices to a limited extent. To better understand this dissonance, we conducted a qualitative investigation into the perspectives of key stakeholders on bridging the knowledge-to-action gap and patient and public engagement.MethodsThe Priorities and Expectations of Researchers, Donors, Patients and the Public Regarding the Funding and Conduct of Medical Research (PERSPECT) qualitative study involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with representatives of four stakeholder groups. Among other topics, participants were asked to discuss issues related to moving medical research knowledge into action (knowledge translation), including patient and public engagement during the research journey as a prerequisite to the success of this process. We analysed collected data employing an interpretative grounded theory approach. Data collection was ended once thematic saturation had been attained.ResultsA total of 41 interviews were completed and analysed (with 10 patients, 10 members of the general public, 11 researchers and 10 funders). Many participants expressed a belief in the importance of engaging patients in the research process, as well as ensuring that study findings reach beyond academic communities. However, multiple challenges and barriers were identified to implementing these values in practice, including: researchers having limited knowledge and tools to foster partnerships with community members; research outputs being inaccessible to the wider public; and the public having insufficient capacity – in view of the required time, effort and knowledge – to assimilate findings and contribute to ongoing research. Cumulatively, interviews indicated a continuing disconnect between research and lay communities, where each stakeholder group holds some responsibility for improving the current paradigm.ConclusionsExisting gaps in communication, knowledge and relevant competencies are fuelling a disconnect between research and lay communities. Successfully moving research knowledge into action requires joint efforts of multiple stakeholder groups with support from external resources to ensure necessary training, expertise and credible dissemination platforms.

Action towards connecting knowledge translation and implementation research.

Balancing research relevance and rigour has been a long-standing concern in the Information Systems (IS) discipline, crucial for advancing academic understanding and disseminating knowledge to practitioners. This paper addresses the need for effective knowledge product translation and dissemination by proposing the use of animated research briefs with visual storytelling cues. Grounded in the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and critical narrative theory, these briefs aim to make research more accessible and engaging for IS practitioners. A mixed-method approach is deployed: (1) a survey-based experiment to assess how research format influences practitioners' attitudes, which in turn affect their intentions to use academic research to solve work-related problems in the near term, and (2) in-depth interviews to explore practitioners’ perceptions of different research formats and their impact on the intention to use academic research in the near term. The paper offers new insights into the effectiveness of multimedia formats in enhancing practitioner engagement and understanding, thereby fostering a more effective dissemination and translation of research knowledge for practitioner audiences.

IntroductionTranslating health research into clinical practice is a complex process aimed at enhancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes. The terminology surrounding this process is varied and often used interchangeably, leading...

Abstract BackgroundApproximately 30% of women worldwide experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Although as many as 92% report impacts to the head and/or strangulation that raise clinical suspicion of brain injury (BI), there are no evidence‐based methods to document IPV‐BI in this vulnerable population, no clinical practice guideline, and insufficient understanding about long‐term risks including Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an established ADRD risk factor, little is known about attributable risk of ADRD due to IPV in either military or civilian populations. Our study aims to improve diagnosis of BI in survivors of IPV in a manner sensitive to the needs of this vulnerable population, and to raise awareness of the importance of considering IPV‐BI as a potential ADRD risk factor.MethodsWe were recently approved by the USA Department of Defence to launch a prospective observational study that leverages collaborative research at three clinical sites in British Columbia Canada that reach ethnically and geographically diverse participants. We will assess acute and chronic plasma biomarkers as diagnostic tools and will also use an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) framework including community participation to deliver a living clinical practice guideline for IPV‐BI and trauma‐informed guidance for ADRD researchers to specifically ask about IPV in clinical history.ResultsThus far, we have worked with multiple stakeholders to co‐create a novel Case Report Form suitable for use in real‐life clinics to collect IPV history including head impact and strangulation events, and have pilot data on several plasma biomarkers relevant to ADRD that, for some cases, suggest IPV may lead to accelerated brain aging and biomarker patterns consistent with AD.ConclusionsWe will discuss how extensive feedback from persons with lived experience and stakeholder groups was essential to design a feasible community‐based study, as common data elements now almost routine in ADRD and TBI studies needed to be reworked to consider the unique needs of IPV survivors in participating in research.

Recent scholarship has advocated the need for more detailed analysis of key components within sexual offender treatment programs that contribute to successful outcomes; and importantly to delineate 'what works best, for whom.' The present review interrogates recent scholarship on treatment duration and dosage, program composition and sequencing, to advance critical discussion on 'for whom' treatment works best. Although we now know more about what key program components are associated with better outcomes overall, observed differences at an individual level reemphasize the importance of attending to specific responsivity factors in treatment. Elevating the specific responsivity principle demands more tailored methods to program design and implementation. However, implementing nuanced programming within 'real-world' correctional settings poses significant challenges. Therefore, we call to action the adoption of an implementation science lens in future research, to optimize translation of research knowledge on 'what works, and for whom' into practice.

This article shares the author’s reflections on what decolonial cracks for recreating UK universities as sustainable pluriversities emerge from encounters and engagement in three arts–research co-productions relating to sustainability and justice: a training process led by a professional storyteller on converting political-ecology research into short, spoken ten-minute stories, the co-production of visual summaries and a role-playing game on sustainable value chains, and the collaboration producing an immersive audiovisual exhibition on ‘Can we fly-less?’. This article makes an empirically based case that engaging in co-production on arts–research knowledge translation can help identify decolonial cracks to sow the seeds of pluriversity, that is, epistemically diverse institutions for public good that recognise present patterns of colonially rooted injustices and unsustainability, in UK academia. Drawing on relational, deep-listening conversations with six collaborators on the projects, three artists and three researchers, the article highlights benefits arising from the creative collaborations, such as social, transformative learning and critical introspection, and research acquiring a life beyond the page and becoming accessible to a broader audience. However, they also emphasised institutional barriers such as perverse incentives in current academic conventions, such as little or no recognition for knowledge translation, unequal starting points among permanent/precarious or salaried/non-salaried staff, and uncooperative monitoring and application systems, which render identifying these decolonial cracks and seeds necessary. With a methodology rooted in its conceptual, relational approach, the article highlights decolonial cracks in current academia, and transformative seeds to reimagine it in a more decolonial and sustainable image befitting of a pluriversity.

Background: The purpose of this study was to provide empirical evidence on knowledge gaps in wheelchair skills, emerging technology, and preferred sources to find information about mobility assistive technologies (MAT) among Saudi mobility device users. Method: A previously developed English-language survey used in a previous pilot study was translated into Arabic and culturally adapted for MAT users within Saudi Arabia. This study followed Beaton guidelines for translating and performing cultural adaptation. A cross-sectional study was conducted anonymously to gather opinions of Saudis with disabilities who use MAT. The Arabic version was administered online using the Pitt-licensed version of the Qualtrics software. Referral sampling technique was used for recruiting, and the data from a sample of (N=353) are represented. Results: The overall face validity (FVI) for clarity and comprehension was 0.85, indicating that the Arabic Version was simple, easy to understand, and relevant for Saudi Arabian culture. The average age of respondents was approximately 39 (SD 9.6) years, and most had used their mobility devices for two to five years (N=164, 46.5%). Spinal cord injury (SCI) was the largest diagnostic group (N=141, 40%). Respondents reported gaps in knowledge about both manual wheelchair and power wheelchair skills. Physical therapists and/or occupational therapists, the internet, social media, physicians, and family and friends using AT were reported as the most frequent sources used to find information about mobility devices (85.6%. 72.8%, 60.3%, 48.2%, and 45%) respectfully. Conclusion: The survey findings revealed some gaps in knowledge among Saudi MAT consumers with respect to wheelchair skills and emerging technologies, suggesting a more knowledge translation research is needed in this area.

Traditional African vegetables (TAVs) are an important component of an ecologically sustainable approach to addressing food and nutrition security in Africa. This review aims to identify the scope of the knowledge translation literature that exists across multiple aspects of the TAV value chain and to identify gaps in knowledge translation research. A scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework was used to guide the development of inclusion and exclusion criteria for this review. The Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and ABI/Inform databases were searched to identify the relevant studies which were then screened using the Covidence 2024 online software to select studies and extract information for analysis and reporting. A total of 182 studies/articles were selected and examined. The most significant knowledge documented about TAVs pertains to their vast genetic diversity contributing to their rich nutritional and medicinal properties, their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as drought, pests, and diseases, as well as the effects of various post-handling techniques on the nutrient content of TAVs, with the production phase of the TAV value chain being the most studied. This review found that, although a breadth of knowledge about TAVs has been generated, there is still little documentation about transferring and utilizing this knowledge across the TAV value chain. This review identified that more research is needed to document the strategies and practices for the transfer and utilization of knowledge to ensure that it is utilized to enhance nutritional outcomes across Africa.