Knowledge Translation: Introduction to Models, Strategies, and Measures
Epilogue
As evidenced in this review, knowledge translation (KT) is a complex and multifaceted construct that requires a consideration of a multitude of dimensions together to form a comprehensive picture. It should be noted that the literature included in this review came mostly from disciplines other than rehabilitation. Although the information from such literature could provide some understanding of KT in general, its direct applicability to KT in rehabilitation is not known. For instance, the degree of similarity between the context of policymaking, of which a substantial amount of information contributes to the body of the literature in this area, and the context of everyday practice in rehabilitation is not clear. Can it be assumed that the same influencing factors exist and play similar roles in both environments? Are the types of knowledge use similar in both contexts? Do practitioners and policymakers make the same kind of decisions? It is certainly important to create a body of empirical knowledge that is directly relevant and applicable to rehabilitation. Future questions may include the following: What types of use occur in practice settings, and how prevalent are they? Are the determinants for each type of use the same? What are the common predicting factors that transcend contexts, and what are the unique factors related to specific contexts? What is the relative importance of each of these contextual factors in predicting research use?
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