This call is intended to solicit knowledge translation (KT) 'cases' or 'stories' that illustrate both successful and unsuccessful examples of the collaborative development and practical use of research evidence. CIHR intends to publish and distribute a Knowledge Translation Casebook highlighting cases from CIHR's Institutes and the four health research themes: biomedical; clinical; health services; and social, cultural, environmental and population health. The main objectives of this call are to recognize knowledge translation activity, provide a vehicle for sharing KT 'stories', provide concrete KT examples for training and outreach, and demonstrate the impact of implementing research evidence.
| Cases due (800-1200 words) | June 30, 2007 |
| Case review | July - August, 2007 |
| Results | September 30, 2007 |
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research's (CIHR) principal objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system. The CIHR Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange Branch is dedicated to supporting outstanding research and research synthesis, building capacity for the uptake of knowledge and strengthening the science of knowledge translation best practices in the interest of improving the health and quality of life of all Canadians.
Knowledge Translation (KT) is a dynamic and iterative process that includes the synthesis, dissemination and exchange, and ethically-sound application of research findings. This process takes place within a complex system of interactions between researchers and stakeholders to accelerate the capture of the benefits of research through improved health services and products serving to strengthen the health care system and health economy.
These interactions between researchers and stakeholders may vary in intensity, complexity, and level of engagement depending on the nature of the research results and the needs of particular stakeholders. Knowledge translation activities can thus take place before, during and/or after completion of a research study and can vary greatly depending on the area of health research.
For example:
Synthesis, dissemination and exchange activities: synthesis of evidence; peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications; intellectual property protection; stakeholder briefings/tools; conferences, workshops; interpretation of research results for target audiences; determining appropriate audiences and receptors for results/technology dissemination; plain language educational resources, etc.
Communication and outreach activities: crafting messages of the results for different target audiences; dissemination of study results to peers and appropriate stakeholders; educational sessions with stakeholders; educational sessions with stakeholders; media engagement; use of knowledge brokers; newsletters and web-based communication tools; databases; training, etc.
Policy and practice improvement activities: implementation of research findings; technology transfer (e.g. intellectual property protection, licensing activities, spin-off company formation); tools creation, etc.
Synthesis, dissemination and exchange activities: collaborative networks, multi-sectoral informed and partnered research, shared decision-making, consensus-building activities, etc.
Communication and outreach activities: stakeholder engagement and education; tools development; involving stakeholders in definition of KT activities; communities of practice; evidence-based community outreach programs, etc.
Policy and practice improvement activities: development of interventions to inform evidence-based policies and management practices; engaging stakeholders/end-users in definition and/or participation and/or contribution to research; stakeholder partnerships; stakeholder-informed guideline development; stakeholder engagement in uptake initiatives, etc.
The KT Casebook therefore, has been designed to offer first-hand cases of knowledge translation experiences that illustrate examples of the collaborative development and practical use of research evidence. The casebook will explore successful, and less-than-successful experiences*, including interactions, collaborations, uses and impacts of research for the public, other researchers, health care providers, media, and parliamentarians. The cases will provide insight into "critical success factors" for KT-interested constituents in the health community.
The specific objectives of the casebook are to:
The casebook will be produced and distributed in paper and electronic formats to health communities including decision-makers, researchers, health professionals, students, parliamentarians, the media and other agencies with an interest in KT.
*We recognize the vital importance of providing contrasting KT experiences in order to determine the elements of successful KT activities in different contexts, and it is for this reason that we wish to include unsuccessful KT cases as a positive learning opportunity. Because we also recognize the difficulty in publicly sharing unsuccessful stories, those candidates who choose to submit an unsuccessful KT case may also submit a successful KT case if they choose.
Cases are invited from individuals, teams (including researchers, practitioners and/or decision-makers), CIHR Institutes, or organizations working in health care services and policy, biomedical, clinical and public health domains. These cases should not have been previously published by CIHR. CIHR's {General Guidelines for All CIHR Programs}, will apply to areas such as Ethics, Official Language Policy, and Access to Information and Privacy Acts.
Cases should be written in narrative style, using plain language, and should be from 800-1200 words in length. Abstracts should be submitted using the attached template. Though cases will be professionally edited, original case contributors will retain authorship and will be appropriately cited by CIHR. CIHR retains full rights to copy, distribute and make cases available in print, electronic, and other formats; and to use the cases at any time in any of its publications. Cases may be submitted in the official language of choice.
Case abstracts will be reviewed by a KT committee composed of individuals from all themes of research according to the following criteria:
Applicants submitting exemplary KT cases are encouraged to apply for the CIHR Knowledge Translation Award.
For more information, please contact:
Leah Jurkovic
KT Sector Specialist /Spécialiste sectoriel AC
Knowledge Translation/Application des connaissances
Tel: 613-941-0805
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: ljurkovic@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Or
Contact a CIHR Institute.
Submit cases electronically by June 30, 2007 to:
Leah Jurkovic
KT Sector Specialist /Spécialiste sectoriel AC
Knowledge Translation/Application des connaissances
Email: ljurkovic@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
