Knowledge Translation and Exchange

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What is knowledge translation?

Knowledge translation is the process of customizing credible research so that it can be used to support evidence-informed decision making. This process is dynamic and includes the synthesizing and tailoring of complex information to be shared between researchers and knowledge users. This transferred knowledge can then be used for positive change.

What is knowledge exchange?

Knowledge exchange takes place when researchers and knowledge users share ideas and expertise to collaboratively apply research evidence to practice and policy development. This process is iterative and can involve the sharing of knowledge and/or the creation of new knowledge.

Who are knowledge users?

Knowledge users are individuals who use research findings for decision making purposes, in practice, and for policy development. Knowledge users include students, researchers, policy makers, treatment and service providers, industry leaders, and related organizations.

Why do we need knowledge translation and exchange?

Despite the considerable amount of research being conducted about a topic or issue, research findings are not always used to inform policy and practice. This problem is known as the knowledge-to-action gap, or "know-do" gap, which is prevalent in many fields. Knowledge translation and exchange can close this gap by making research evidence more accessible, leading to better informed practice and policy decisions. Knowledge translation and exchange demonstrates a return on research investments, optimizing the value of the research, and increasing the impact it can have on society.

What is the process involved in translating and exchanging knowledge?

A number of models exist which outline how to effectively engage in knowledge translation and exchange. Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) uses the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) model of knowledge translation to guide our work. This model represents the "gold standard" of knowledge translation practice in Canada and internationally. Read more information about this model.

What is the Knowledge-to-Action Cycle?

The Knowledge-To-Action (KTA) Cycle is a visual representation of CIHR's model of knowledge translation. This cycle outlines a two-way exchange of information between researchers and stakeholders who can use the information (e.g. decision makers, practitioners). A brief explanation of the model is presented below. View a more detailed explanation of the model on the CIHR website.

CHIR's Knowledge to Action Cycle

As depicted in the diagram above, the Knowledge-to-Action Cycle has two parts: the Knowledge Creation Funnel (centre) and the Action Cycle (encircling the funnel).

The Knowledge Creation Funnel comprises three phases involved in creating knowledge:

Knowledge inquiry: involves conducting primary studies (e.g. randomized control trials). The knowledge created from this process is called "first generation knowledge";
Knowledge synthesis: involves gathering information from numerous published sources (e.g. systematic reviews). The knowledge created from this process is called "second generation knowledge"; and
Creation of knowledge tools/products: information from the first two phases is used to create tools and products for decision makers (e.g. clinical practice guidelines).

As information goes deeper into the funnel, it becomes more refined -making it more useful for a specific audience.

The three phases may be started solely by a researcher to further the research base. Or in some cases a knowledge user may address a specific knowledge need by working with a researcher to conduct the associated phase.

The Action Cycle describes the process of converting knowledge into useful information for decision making and practice, which in turn enables change in the target audience. The stages of the Action Cycle include:

Identify knowledge-to-action gaps: identify, review, and select knowledge to address these needs;
Adapt knowledge to local context: customize knowledge to be useful and appropriate for the setting;
Assess barriers: consider the barriers (e.g. lack of awareness of the issue, more perceived costs than benefits) and facilitators (e.g. motivated decision makers, recognized need for change) to knowledge use;
Select, tailor, implement interventions: choosing an intervention that addresses barriers to change in the selected target audience;
Monitor knowledge use: measure changes in levels of knowledge, behaviours;
Evaluate outcomes: measure at the structural (e.g. organizational culture), process (e.g. levels of satisfaction), and/or outcome levels (e.g. health/well-being); and
Sustain knowledge use: modifying or refreshing knowledge to address changing context and barriers; also involves ensuring that structures are in place to support the intervention.

Where does the cycle start? Where does the cycle end?

The Knowledge-To-Action framework is a cycle, so there is no firm start and end point. It can be argued that there is no end point at all because sustaining knowledge use involves progressing through the Cycle continually. Each of the phases can take place in a sequence, following the arrows, or they may overlap with one another.

What are the roles of decision makers and researchers in this cycle?

There are no set roles for decision makers and researchers. The Cycle is intended to bridge a collaborative process between the two roles, but often they work independently toward the same goal (e.g. researchers generating knowledge, while decision makers implement the knowledge).

How does GREO use the Knowledge-to-Action Cycle in its work?

GREO bridges the knowledge-to-action gap in harmful gambling by helping treatment providers, researchers, and gambling industry and government policy makers use research evidence to support decision making, standards, practice, and policy. An example of how GREO has achieved this goal using the Knowledge-To-Action Cycle is the Conceptual Framework. Hover over each of the components in the diagram to learn more.