Sarah Kehoe, Research Assistant Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network

1.Introduction to the Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network 2.CDKTN structure 3.What CDKTN delivers 4.How CDKTN links research to knowledge users 5.Closing remarks 6.Acknowledgements 7.Questions

Environmental scan to identify current best practices in KT&E training in academic settings Standardized curricula and training programs in KT&E Training opportunities for researchers that will cross themes, disciplines and levels of expertise Pilot research projects related to training in KT&E Funding opportunities for students to develop KT strategies

Development of a national KE network – Canadian Dementia Resource and Knowledge Exchange (CDRAKE) Environmental scan of existing KE networks, best practices, strategies KT&E conferences / workshops Research and KT&E partnerships between all key stakeholders Pilot research projects related to KE Electronic repository of information, resources, innovations

Identification of research priorities based on the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners New person-centred and relationship based models and approaches for KT Clinically and socially relevant and person-centred KT research projects A database for researchers of the experience of dementia from perspectives of those living with dementia

1.Diffusion 2.Dissemination 3.Implementation (Application) Lomas J Ann NY Acad Sci. 1993, 703:226-37

Let it happen ~ Passive information sharing Examples: Publishing a paper in an academic journal, going to a conference with a poster or posting information on a website.

You target and tailor what you are communicating to the specific audience you are trying to reach. Help it happen ~ This approach can be more or less active Less active: You have completed research and you translate the results into brochures, videos etc. for the public. More active: tailoring a small workshop to disseminate results, get feedback etc.

A platform to find and share knowledge and resources, in order to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The most active of all three, implementation “…involves systematic efforts to encourage adoption of the research findings by overcoming barriers to their use.” Gagnon, ML. J of Clin Epi 64 (2011) Make it happen ~ engages knowledge users

Since November 2008, CDKTN has had 5 major funding competitions, all funded in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The competition encourages researchers to include knowledge translation activities in their projects. The outcomes of this research are made available for immediate use.

Development, Evaluation and Dissemination of a Bilingual Workshop for Dementia Care Providers Entitled: “Frailty, Dementia and Disasters: What Health Care Providers Need to Know” – Maggie Gibson, PhD

When Dementia is in the House was developed to educate caregiving for children living with someone who has dementia, with a focus on frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

“There remains much to be learned about how we can increase the application of research knowledge, whether it's the commercialization of scientific discoveries or changes to current health care practices and policies. However, what is certain is that as a society we will not reap the full benefits of our investments in health research unless the resulting discoveries are acted upon by other researchers, policy-makers, health care providers, patients, the public, and by the private, voluntary, and public health sectors.” CIHR

Funding sources: CIHR Institute of Aging CIHR Knowledge Translation Branch CIHR Institute of Gender and Health CIHR Institute of Neurosciences CIHR Ethics Office Alzheimer Society of Canada AstraZeneca Canada Inc. Pfizer Inc Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation Fountain Innovation Fund QEII Health Sciences Foundation Principle Investigator: Prof. K. Rockwood, MD Division of Geriatric Medicine, Dalhousie University Co-Founders: Prof. H. Chertkow, MD Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University Prof. K. Le Clair, MD Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Queen’s University Prof. J. Keefe, PhD Canada Research Chair in Aging and Care Giving Policy Mount Saint Vincent University Prof. H. Feldman, MD Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia

To join the network and become connected, &