Knowledge Translation
Knowledge translation (KT) is a term that is closely related to dissemination or diffusion; however, most scholars draw an important distinction—KT is a much broader concept and places a significant emphasis on the issue of research quality and the implementation of research evidence within a system (Davis, Evans, Jadad, Perrier, Rath, Ryan et al., 2003; cited in NCDDR, 2006). KT is an appropriate process and strategy to address and reduce the gap between "what is known" and "what is currently done" in practice settings (Davis et al., 2003; Grol & Grimshaw, 2003; Grol & Jones, 2000; cited in NCDDR, 2006).
The NCDDR suggests the following working definition for KT:
The collaborative and systematic review, assessment, identification, aggregation, and practical application of high-quality disability and rehabilitation research by key stakeholders (i.e., consumers, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers) for the purpose of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities (NCDDR, 2005).
In this definition, KT involves the reporting, quality assessment, and adaptation of research and development knowledge into an understandable and contextually relevant form that reflects the NIDRR research and development priorities and that will be utilized by and benefit practitioners and consumers (NCDDR, 2005).
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has noted that KT plays an important role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities, as evidence-based knowledge, technologies, and applications must be translated in order to inform disability and rehabilitation policy and improve practice (Tingus et al., 2004).
- Dissemination and Utilization of Research
- Library of Knowledge Translation Resources (KT Library)
- Knowledge Translation Planning Committee
- Knowledge Value Mapping (KVM)
- Task Force on Knowledge Translation/Knowledge Value Mapping
- Knowledge Value Mapping, November 14, 2006
- Knowledge Value Mapping Approach to Knowledge Translation, April 23, 2008
- KT Measurement: What Constitutes Quality?, December 23, 2007
- NCDDR Publications
- Knowledge Translation Introduction to Models, Strategies, and Measures (Sudsawad, 2007)
- Knowledge Translation at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research: A Primer, FOCUS Technical Brief #18
- Overview of International Literature on Knowledge Translation, FOCUS Technical Brief #14
- What is Knowledge Translation?, FOCUS Technical Brief #10
- Presentations
- "The NCDDR Model: Developing Evidence-Based Resources within the Disability Research Community" at the 8th International Campbell Collaboration Colloquium in Vancouver, BC, May 14, 2008. (MS PowerPoint document - 2.7MB)
- "Knowledge Translation and Disability and Rehabilitation Research" at the 7th International Campbell Collaboration Colloquium in London, UK, May 16, 2007. (MS PowerPoint document - 500kb)
- Technical Assistance
- Webcasts
- Workshops
- Knowledge Value Mapping, November 14, 2006
- Knowledge Value Mapping Approach to Knowledge Translation, April 23, 2008
- KT Measurement: What Constitutes Quality?, December 3, 2007
