Knowledge Translation Curriculum Module 1: An Introduction to KT Lesson 1 - Knowledge Translation: The Basics

Research Policy KT Knowledge Translation at the overlap of Research and Policy Processes Knowledge Translation at the overlap of Research and Policy Processes

KT: a social process part philosophy: how do we know what we know? part anthropology: why did the worlds of science and policy evolve so separately? part sociology: how do we make the collective decisions we make? part social science: what are the major issues we require more knowledge on? part political science: what mechanisms can better unite science and policy? part luck and part chance

The traditional knowledge production process The traditional knowledge production process Proposal Development Publication Research Project Funding Problem Identification

Proposal Development Proposal Development Change peer-review; grey lit Research Project Research Project Funding Priority Setting Priority Setting involving multiple stakeholders collaborative multiple funders, including public sector multi- disciplinary; involving end users; Publication Database Synthesis open access easily accessed findings incorporated into bigger picture: systematic reviews, policy briefs Policy Development Policy Development evidence weighed alongside other influential factors; policy response to identified priorities formulated, implemented, evaluated collaboration possible starting point The KT-infused knowledge production process The KT-infused knowledge production process

The typical policy process Problem Identification Policy Formulation Policy Adoption Policy Implementation Policy Evaluation

Problem Identification, Clarification Problem Identification, Clarification Policy Formulation Policy Formulation Policy Adoption Policy Adoption Policy Implementation Policy Implementation Policy Evaluation Policy Evaluation Social Change priority-setting exercise with multiple stakeholders synthesize how research evidence, best practice, experience, expert opinion etc. can potentially inform policy development Identification of Policy Options Identification of Policy Options Dialogue with multiple stakeholders Dialogue reviewing systemic implications; weighing all inputs with research component to assess, tweak policy identifies new priorities The KT-infused policy process

The Four Spheres of KT Knowledge Production set priorities; conduct research Knowledge Management research made available and accessible Knowledge Synthesis tailor, combine, broker & disseminate Knowledge Utilization adopt, adapt, apply & demand Change

KT Definitions “the exchange, synthesis and ethically-sound application of knowledge - within a complex system of interactions among researchers and users - to accelerate the capture of the benefits of research for Canadians through improved health, more effective services and products, and a strengthened health care system.” (CIHR 2006; 2009). “KT is an ongoing interactive human process of critically considering relevant, quality research results and findings, whether factual or tacit knowledge or humanistic understanding, blending this broader researcher-based knowledge with experiential knowledge and contextual appreciation, and constructing a shared understanding and knowledge application to advance the quality of health care” (McWilliam 2007).

KT Definitions engaged scholarship: collaborative research teams of researchers and practitioners “have the potential to ground and understand complex problems in ways that are more penetrating and insightful than they would be were either scholars or practitioners to study them alone” (Van de Ven and Johnson 2006): knowledge is a matter of perspective a richly complex “context dictates the realm of the possible” (Contandriopolos et al 2010). KT is “a context-shaped process creating cycles of evidence-informed policy and policy-informed evidence designed to generate social change”.

Problem Knowledge Context Interventions Solution KT Frameworks (Ward et al 2010)

Knowledge inquiry Knowledge synthesis Knowledge tools/ products Tailoring Knowledge Identify problem Identify, review, select knowledge ACTION CYCLE (application) KNOWLEDGE CREATION Adapt knowledge to local context Assess barriers to knowledge Use Select, tailor, implement interventions Monitor Knowledge Use Evaluate Outcomes Sustain Knowledge Use KT Frameworks (Graham et al 2006)

Integrated efforts Researchers Policy-makers KT Platform Exchange efforts Researchers Policy-makers Push efforts Researchers Policy-makers User Pull efforts Researchers Policy-makers KT Frameworks (Lavis et al 2006)

Major KT Approaches end-of-grant KT: researcher designs and implements a strategy to disseminate research findings to key research users. Done on completion of research. E.g. peer-reviewed paper, conference presentation, press release. integrated KT: knowledge users involved in the design, implementation and findings of research projects. Encourages co- production processes of both research and policy. E.g. KTPs, Rapid Responses, multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder research projects. KT science: what works in KT, for whom, and under what circumstances?