Towards a common terminology: a simplified framework of interventions to promote and integrate evidence into health practices, systems, and policies

Abstract

BackgroundA wide range of diverse and inconsistent terminology exists in the field of knowledge translation. This limits the conduct of evidence syntheses, impedes communication and collaboration, and undermines knowledge translation of research findings in diverse settings. Improving uniformity of terminology could help address these challenges. In 2012, we convened an international working group to explore the idea of developing a common terminology and an overarching framework for knowledge translation interventions.FindingsMethods included identifying and summarizing existing frameworks, mapping together a subset of those frameworks, and convening a multi-disciplinary group to begin working toward consensus. The group considered four potential approaches to creating a simplified framework: melding existing taxonomies, creating a framework of intervention mechanisms rather than intervention strategies, using a consensus process to expand one of the existing models/frameworks used by the group, or developing a new consensus framework.ConclusionsThe work group elected to draft a new, simplified consensus framework of interventions to promote and integrate evidence into health practices, systems and policies. The framework will include four key components: strategies and techniques (active ingredients), how they function (causal mechanisms), how they are delivered (mode of delivery), and what they aim to change (intended targets). The draft framework needs to be further developed by feedback and consultation with the research community and tested for usefulness through application and evaluation.

Mobilising knowledge to improve UK health care: learning from other countries and other sectors – a multimethod mapping study

“…In health care, recent reviews of these 1,16,[18][19][20][21] have identified the diverse languages used to describe new models -such as knowledge translation, knowledge exchange, knowledge interaction, knowledge intermediation and knowledge mobilisation. 22,23 These reviews have also begun to map out the empirical support for various mechanisms thought to promote effective knowledge sharing.…”

Results of a feasibility study: barriers and facilitators in implementing the Sherbrooke model in France

“…Implementation science has been the focus of many studies, to the point of leading to a certain confusion of definitions and theoretical frameworks (22,23). Some authors have sought to bring these together in integrative frameworks and clarify the concepts used (9,10,22,23).…”

“…Some authors have sought to bring these together in integrative frameworks and clarify the concepts used (9,10,22,23). Despite the efficacy of implementation strategies adapted to identified barriers (11), it remains unknown which implementation interventions are most effective, in what context, with what mechanisms and means of administration (23).…”

Development and validation of the ASPIRE-VA coaching fidelity checklist (ACFC): a tool to help ensure delivery of high-quality weight management interventions

“…Fidelity scores were also used to help establish the relationship between treatment components and outcomes, a first step toward identifying the Bactive ingredients^of the ASPIRE-VA coaching approach [27]. This will help determine which components can be adapted to other healthcare settings without compromising treatment effectiveness [12].…”