Online strategies to facilitate health‐related knowledge transfer: a systematic search and review

Abstract

Background: Health interventions and practices often lag behind the available research, and the need for timely translation of new health knowledge into practice is becoming increasingly important. Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic search and review of the literature on online knowledge translation techniques that foster the interaction between various stakeholders and assist in the sharing of ideas and knowledge within the health field. Methods: The search strategy included all published literature in the English language since January 2003 and used the MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE and Inspec databases. Results:The results of the review indicate that online strategies are diverse, yet all are applicable in facilitating online health-related knowledge translation. The method of knowledge sharing ranged from use of wikis, discussion forums, blogs, and social media to data/knowledge management tools, virtual communities of practice and conferencing technology -all of which can encourage online health communication and knowledge translation. Conclusions: Online technologies are a key facilitator of health-related knowledge translation. This review of online strategies to facilitate health-related knowledge translation can inform the development and improvement of future strategies to expedite the translation of research to practice.Keywords: Health services research, Internet, knowledge management, knowledge transfer, review and systematic search Key Messages• Online strategies for health-related knowledge translation can act as vehicles to link researchers, practitioners, policymakers and consumers, thus facilitating the timely and relevant exchange of information, including where gaps in knowledge exist.• Information and communication technologies are a pragmatic and timely means to selectively transfer valuable research to policy makers, healthcare providers, the public and other stakeholders.• Information and communication technologies, particularly the Internet, have also produced knowledge translation challenges including access to and user knowledge of online technologies.• Through online technologies, it is possible for stakeholders to share knowledge regardless of geographical constraints, thus encouraging the advancement of knowledge in health and subsequent translation to practice.• Virtual communities of practice are an effective and pragmatic way for health professionals, the general public and other key stakeholders to interact and share knowledge.

Business Intelligence: métodos e técnicas de gestão do conhecimento e as tendências para avanços do capital intelectual

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Leisure in virtual social network: a possibility of an authentic dialogue

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“…Besides that, it allows a vast approach and easiness of access, as it is an interactive and free media resource. 1,2 The dynamics and interactivity of the social network and virtual media instrument characterize it as permitting the interaction of participants, stimulated by globalization and by the human necessity to live in group and to communicate. In this fashion, virtual social networks can and must be used under pedagogical context due to the fact they present a constructivist characteristic, stimulating interaction, the dialogue, and the construction of knowledge, and furthermore, they are popularly used by students.…”

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