Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) in health care: a scoping review

Abstract

BackgroundIntegrated knowledge translation (IKT) refers to collaboration between researchers and decision-makers. While advocated as an approach for enhancing the relevance and use of research, IKT is challenging and inconsistently applied. This study sought to inform future IKT practice and research by synthesizing studies that empirically evaluated IKT and identifying knowledge gaps.MethodsWe performed a scoping review. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from 2005 to 2014 for English language studies that evaluated IKT interventions involving researchers and organizational or policy-level decision-makers. Data were extracted on study characteristics, IKT intervention (theory, content, mode, duration, frequency, personnel, participants, timing from initiation, initiator, source of funding, decision-maker involvement), and enablers, barriers, and outcomes reported by studies. We performed content analysis and reported summary statistics.ResultsThirteen studies were eligible after screening 14,754 titles and reviewing 106 full-text studies. Details about IKT activities were poorly reported, and none were formally based on theory. Studies varied in the number and type of interactions between researchers and decision-makers; meetings were the most common format. All studies reported barriers and facilitators. Studies reported a range of positive and sub-optimal outcomes. Outcomes did not appear to be associated with initiator of the partnership, dedicated funding, partnership maturity, nature of decision-maker involvement, presence or absence of enablers or barriers, or the number of different IKT activities.ConclusionsThe IKT strategies that achieve beneficial outcomes remain unknown. We generated a summary of IKT approaches, enablers, barriers, conditions, and outcomes that can serve as the basis for a future review or for planning ongoing primary research. Future research can contribute to three identified knowledge gaps by examining (1) how different IKT strategies influence outcomes, (2) the relationship between the logic or theory underlying IKT interventions and beneficial outcomes, and (3) when and how decision-makers should be involved in the research process. Future IKT initiatives should more systematically plan and document their design and implementation, and evaluations should report the findings with sufficient detail to reveal how IKT was associated with outcomes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-016-0399-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Integrated knowledge translation: digging deeper, moving forward

“…A 2016 scoping review of IKT studies reported that lack of skill or understanding of IKT processes was a barrier to the process 2. This paper, grounded in the literature, our research and experience, updates developments in the field of IKT, and offers a deeper analysis of the IKT approach in practice and policy-oriented health research.…”

“…IKT is not what is sometimes called team science2 3 for which a multidisciplinary group of researchers, sometimes across a large geographical area, is brought together to partner for the purposes of sharing research resources, training or expertise. IKT differs from team science in that its core aim is to develop research questions that are informed by needs in practice or policy.…”

“…For example, empirical work can uncover the outcomes and impacts related to collaborative knowledge production 10. A 2016 scoping review of 13 IKT studies2 found that it was difficult to identify beneficial outcomes across studies given the limited reporting and/or evaluation of IKT activities. Nevertheless, seven studies identified positive outcomes related to researcher and knowledge user capacity development.…”

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“…22 Patients and service leaders can help researchers to clarify goals, gather new evidence in real-life complex systems, and identify appropriate approaches for conducting and evaluating planned changes. 23 Such evaluations may be formative, using findings to optimise implementation, or summative, producing evidence of ultimate impact or both.…”

A randomized wait-list control trial to evaluate the impact of a mobile application to improve self-management of individuals with type 2 diabetes: a study protocol

“…OTN’s involvement in an advisory capacity increases the likelihood that the study results will have a future impact on health system policy. This engages the principles of integrated knowledge translation to collaboratively produce knowledge [16], with the aim of optimizing health care delivery and associated clinical outcomes. The study is funded by Canada Health Infoway.…”