Role In Knowledge Translation Research Articles

Warm-Ups and Coaches' Perceptions: Searching for Clues to Improve Injury Prevention in Youth Basketball.

Introduction: Regular use of neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-up programs improves performance and prevents injuries. However, low level of adoption of these programs remains a problem. Understanding the current warm-ups in youth basketball and coaches' perceptions on injury prevention can guide the design of superior implementation strategies. This study describes warm-ups in youth basketball and coaches' injury prevention-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and information sources.Methods: Youth basketball coaches (n = 50) completed a preseason questionnaire. The questionnaire covered warm-up length, use of aerobic/agility/balance/strength/other exercises in the warm-up, injury-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and sources of information.Results: Typical warm-up duration was ≤ 10 min (48.0% of coaches, 95% CI: ±13.8%). All coaches included aerobic exercises in their warm-up. Agility, strength, and balance exercises were utilized by 80.0% (95% CI: ±11.7%), 70.7% (95% CI: ±13.6%), and 26.8% (95% CI: ±13.6%) of coaches, respectively. Most coaches agreed to some extent that basketball injuries are preventable (94%) and that participating in a NMT warm-up program would reduce player's risk of injury (92%). Other coaches were identified as the most common source of information on warm-ups and injury prevention.Discussion: Coaches use parts of effective NMT warm-up programs, but balance exercises are not well adopted. Considering the level of evidence supporting the importance of balance exercises in injury prevention, it is crucial to improve the implementation of NMT warm-up programs in youth basketball, for example, through educational courses. As fellow coaches were identified as the most important source of information, coaches' role in knowledge translation should be emphasized.

Governance of health research funding institutions: an integrated conceptual framework and actionable functions of governance

BackgroundHealth research has scientific, social and political impacts. To achieve such impacts, several institutions need to participate; however, health research funding institutions are seldom nominated in the literature as essential players. The attention they have received has so far focused mainly on their role in knowledge translation, informing policy-making and the need to organise health research systems. In this article, we will focus solely on the governance of national health research funding institutions. Our objectives are to identify the main functions of governance for such institutions and actionable governance functions. This research should be useful in several ways, including in highlighting, tracking and measuring the governance trends in a given funding institution, and to forestall low-level governance.MethodsFirst, we reviewed existing frameworks in the grey literature, selecting seven relevant documents. Second, we developed an integrated framework for health research funding institution governance and management.Third, we extracted actionable information for governance by selecting a mix of North American, European and Asian institutions that had documentation available in English (e.g. annual report, legal status, strategy).ResultsThe framework contains 13 functions – 5 dedicated to governance (intelligence acquisition, resourcing and instrumentation, relationships management, accountability and performance, and strategy formulation), 3 dedicated to management (priority-setting, financing and knowledge transfer), and 5 dedicated to transversal logics that apply to both governance and management (ethics, transparency, capacity reinforcement, monitoring and evaluation, and public engagement).ConclusionsHerein, we provide a conceptual contribution for scholars in the field of governance and health research as well as a practical contribution, with actionable functions for high-level managers in charge of the governance of health research funding institutions.

Communicating about risk for sexually transmitted HIV on the front lines in Ontario, Canada

In Ontario, front-line HIV workers play a critical role in knowledge translation and are an instrumental link between research literature and the people most at risk for HIV. However, the way people use and interact with HIV information is influenced by a number of factors. The current study explored the challenges that Ontario front-line HIV workers face and their successful strategies, in order to better understand how to help those at risk access and use critical HIV information. Focus groups were conducted with Ontario front-line HIV workers (n = 20). A follow-up survey was used to confirm the emergent themes with a larger sample of front-line workers (n = 51) and to collect additional information. A number of important themes emerged from these analyses. One of the biggest challenges reported by front-line workers was regarding statistical and other numeric data related to HIV risk. Many front-line workers were not comfortable discussing numeric information in their work because either they felt people would not understand, or they themselves had difficulty. The survey data confirmed this theme and provided additional information about how front-line workers best understand statistics as well as their preferred format for HIV risk information. The findings of the current study offer insights into the strengths and challenges front-line HIV workers experience in their work with those at-risk for sexually transmitted HIV. Importantly, these findings provide valuable information about how knowledge producers (e.g., researchers) and providers (e.g., federal and provincial HIV organizations) can better tailor the latest information about HIV to more effectively support front-line workers.

Cochrane overviews: how can we optimize their impact on evidence-based rehabilitation?

Overviews (i.e. reviews of multiple systematic reviews) comprise a relatively novel methodology to systematically synthesize research findings. Overviews aim for a beneficial impact on clinical practice, but their methods and pathways to impact have so far not been mapped. The aim of this paper was to inform recommendations for optimizing impact on rehabilitation practice and research by mapping methods and pathways to impact in Cochrane overviews relevant to rehabilitation. We systematically searched and identified published Cochrane overviews (to June 2018) relevant to rehabilitation. We extracted data and compared overviews on key characteristics, methods of evidence synthesis, statements about impact, and access metrics. We explored one overview in detail regarding beneficiaries, activities and outputs, mapped potential pathways to impact, and, using an iterative process, refined this into a generic map. Through exploration of all synthesized data, we propose further recommendations for planning, conducting and reporting of future overviews in order to optimize impact on rehabilitation. We identified seven Cochrane overviews relevant to rehabilitation. Their focus and methods varied, but they were broadly related to rehabilitation interventions for populations of people with diverse long-term conditions. Overviews also varied regarding their intended impact; only 4 overviews identified specific beneficiaries. All overviews included multiple tables and figures, but only one synthesized key findings into a single figure. For five overviews, the Altmetric Attention Score (a weighted count of attention that an output receives based on a range of online sources) was in the top 5% of all research outputs scored by Altmetric. The overview within our worked example had four key impact goals, each with different beneficiaries and required actions; this example led to a generic map of potential pathways to impact for other overviews. Cochrane overviews have the potential to play a key role in knowledge translation and therefore to be useful in supporting evidence-based rehabilitation practice. However, current overviews relating to rehabilitation differ in methods, approaches and intended impact, and sometimes fall short of promoting easy access to key information for beneficiaries. Future Cochrane overviews should address topics of importance to key beneficiaries and clearly outline potential pathways to impact in order to have a potential beneficial impact on evidence-based rehabilitation and to improve rehabilitation outcomes.

THE PROBLEM OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION IN HEALTHCARE: TOOLS FOR ITS SOLUTION IN THE AREA OF PATIENT SAFETY

Adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines enhances patient safety, but the level of knowledge implementation into routine practice remains unsatisfactory. The concept of knowledge translation (KT) was proposed as a «process that includes the synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and ethically sound application of knowledge» to define the framework of knowledge transfer from research to practical activities aimed at improving the quality and safety of healthcare. Although Russian authors pay much attention to translational medicine, the problem of implementation research is poorly discussed. Modern information technologies including clinical decision support systems (CDSS) play a crucial role in KT, but the evidence of their effectiveness is poor. The authors describe a systematic approach to the practical implementation of knowledge imbedded in clinical guidelines based on the use of CDSS. CDSS implementation was accompanied by organizational measures that ensured the overall success: creation of standard operating protocols and quality register, clinical audit with feedback, and staff training. The effectiveness of this approach in reducing the risk of inhospital complications in Moscow general hospital is illustrated by the example of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) prevention. Implementation of a comprehensive program for HA-VTE prevention in 2014−2016 helped to increase the coverage with VTE and bleeding risk assessment from 15% to 80% (p0.0001), to reduce the frequency of pharmacological prophylaxis defects from 50.6% to 23% (p=0.01), to increase the compliance with anticoagulant use from 50% to 76% (p=0.0005), without increasing the rate of hemorrhagic complications. The HA-VTE rates decreased from 10 to 4.25 cases per 1000 overall hospital admissions (p=0.001), from 8 to 1.27 cases per 1000 operations in surgical patients (p=0.001) and from 12 to 6.38 cases per 1000 hospitalizations in therapeutic patients (p=0.06; with a statistically significant downward linear trend for HA-VTE rate, p=0.038).

The researchers\u2019 role in knowledge translation: a realist evaluation of the development and implementation of diagnostic pathways for cancer in two United Kingdom localities

BackgroundIn examining an initiative to develop and implement new cancer diagnostic pathways in two English localities, this paper evaluates ‘what works’ and examines the role of researchers in facilitating knowledge translation amongst teams of local clinicians and policy-makers.MethodsUsing realist evaluation with a mixed methods case study approach, we conducted documentary analysis of meeting minutes and pathway iterations to map pathway development. We interviewed 14 participants to identify the contexts, mechanisms and outcomes (CMOs) that led to successful pathway development and implementation. Interviews were analysed thematically and four CMO configurations were developed.ResultsOne site produced three fully implemented pathways, while the other produced two that were partly implemented. In explaining the differences, we found that a respected, independent, well-connected leader modelling partnership working and who facilitates a local, stable group that agree about the legitimacy of the data and project (context) can empower local teams to become sufficiently autonomous (mechanism) to develop and implement research-based pathways (outcome). Although both teams designed relevant, research-based cancer pathways, in the site where the pathways were successfully implemented the research team merely assisted, while, in the other, the research team drove the initiative.ConclusionBased on our study findings, local stakeholders can apply local and research knowledge to develop and implement research-based pathways. However, success will depend on how academics empower local teams to create autonomy. Crucially, after re-packaging and translating research for local circumstances, identifying fertile environments with the right elements for implementation and developing collaborative relationships with local leaders, academics must step back.

Networked innovation in the health sector: comparative qualitative study of the role of Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in translating research into practice

BackgroundCollaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRCs) were an initiative of the National Institute for Health Research in response to a new research and development strategy in the NHS: ‘Best Research for Best Health’. They were designed to address the ‘second gap in translation’ identified by the Cooksey review; namely, the need to improve health care in the UK by translating clinical research into practice more effectively. Nine CLAHRCs, each encompassing a university in partnership with local NHS bodies, were funded over the period 2008–13.AimsThe aim of this report is to provide an independent and theory-based evaluation of CLAHRCs as a new form of networked innovation in the health sector. This evaluation is based on an intensive research study involving three CLAHRCs in the UK and three international organisations (one in the USA and two in Canada). This study was carried out over two overlapping time phases so as to capture changes in the CLAHRCs over time. Networked innovation in the health sector is conceptualised as involving the translation of knowledge via informal social networks.MethodsA mix of research methods was used to help ensure the validity and generalisability of the study. These methods addressed the development of each CLAHRC over time, over multiple levels of analysis, and with particular reference to the translation of knowledge across the groups involved, and the quality of the informal underpinning network ties that supported such translation. Research methods, therefore, included a qualitative enquiry based on case studies and case analysis, cognitive mapping methods, and social network analysis.FindingsThrough our study, we found that each one of our samples of CLAHRCs appropriated the CLAHRC idea in a particular way, depending on their different interpretations or ‘visions’ of the CLAHRC’s role in knowledge translation (KT), and different operating models of how such visions could be achieved. These helped to shape the development of social networks (centralised vs. decentralised) and each CLAHRC’s approach to KT activity (‘bridging’ vs. ‘blurring’ the boundaries between professional groups). Through a comparative analysis, we develop an analytical model of the resultant capabilities which each case, including our international sites, developed for undertaking innovation, encompassing a combination of both ‘integrative capability’ (the ability to move back and forth between scientific evidence and practical application) and ‘relational capability’ (the ability of groups and organisations to work together). This extends previous models of KT by highlighting the effects of leadership and management, and the emergence of social network structures. We further highlight the implications of this analysis for policy and practice by discussing how network structures and boundary-spanning roles and activities can be tailored to different KT objectives.ConclusionsDifferent interpretations and enactments of the CLAHRC mission ultimately led to differing capabilities for KT among our studied initiatives. Further research could usefully explore how these different capabilities are produced, and how they may be more or less appropriate for particular national health-care settings, with a view to improving the design blueprint for future KT initiatives.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Translating evidence into practice: the role of health research funders

BackgroundA growing body of work on knowledge translation (KT) reveals significant gaps between what is known to improve health, and what is done to improve health. The literature and practice also suggest that KT has the potential to narrow those gaps, leading to more evidence-informed healthcare. In response, Canadian health research funders and agencies have made KT a priority. This article describes how one funding agency determined its KT role and in the process developed a model that other agencies could use when considering KT programs.DiscussionWhile ‘excellence’ is an important criterion by which to evaluate and fund health research, it alone does not ensure relevance to societal health priorities. There is increased demand for return on investments in health research in the form of societal and health system benefits. Canadian health research funding agencies are responding to these demands by emphasizing relevance as a funding criterion and supporting researchers and research users to use the evidence generated.Based on recommendations from the literature, an environmental scan, broad circulation of an iterative discussion paper, and an expert working group process, our agency developed a plan to maximize our role in KT. Key to the process was development of a model comprising five key functional areas that together create the conditions for effective KT: advancing KT science; building KT capacity; managing KT projects; funding KT activities; and advocating for KT. Observations made during the planning process of relevance to the KT enterprise are: the importance of delineating KT and communications, and information and knowledge; determining responsibility for KT; supporting implementation and evaluation; and promoting the message that both research and KT take time to realize results.SummaryChallenges exist in fulfilling expectations that research evidence results in beneficial impacts for society. However, health agencies are well placed to help maximize the use of evidence in health practice and policy. We propose five key functional areas of KT for health agencies, and encourage partnerships and discussion to advance the field.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND PUBLIC HEALTH ADAPTATION PROGRAM: CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE

Background : The impacts of climate change can place significant demand on health, particularly among vulnerable populations and regions. The need for adaptation strategies to prepare for, and address, the risks and impacts of a changing climate has been widely recognized. Public health professionals play an essential role in knowledge translation and transfer of science-based information and development of integrated education, surveillance and response systems to reduce health risks. This project will address gaps and identify public health adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change on vector-borne and water-borne infectious diseases in Canada. Methods:The climate change and adaptation program consists of two components: university research and community/regional based pilot projects. The university research projects are developing tools to assess community vulnerability to water-borne and/or vector-borne diseases. The community/regional based pilot projects have undertaken activities to examine infectious disease risks and adaptation associated with climate change in their regions. . Results:Tools for public health (i.e. risk maps, forecasting models), resulting from the university research, are being produced to identify the predicted risk of water-borne and vector-borne (specifically Lyme disease and West Nile virus) diseases now and in the future with from a changing climate. From the pilot projects a synthesis report of the findings, lessons learned and “best practices” was created to provide information on how health regions and departments in Canada can prepare for and adapt to infectious disease threats from a changing climate based on the experience and activities of the pilot regions. Conclusions:Through tool development by academic research and knowledge translation and transfer, public health capacity to anticipate and respond to emerging vector-borne and/or water-borne infectious diseases will be increased through the development of appropriate adaptation strategies.