Health care systems worldwide are faced with the challenge of improving the quality of care and decreasing the risk of adverse events. The finding that providing evidence from clinical research is necessary but not sufficient for the delivery of optimal care has created interest in Knowledge Translation (KT) – the scientific study of methods for closing the knowledge-to-practice gap, and of the barriers and facilitators inherent in this process. Policy makers, funding agencies, clinicians, and researchers have recognized the need for facilitating the implementation of knowledge into practice. Where evidence is implemented, both improvements in cost and outcomes are seen.
The Canadian Institute of Health Research has defined knowledge translation as "a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products, and strengthen the health care system."
The KT Clearinghouse website is funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) to serve as the repository of KT resources for individuals who want to learn about the science and practice of KT, and access tools that facilitate their own KT research and practices.
The service and material of the website are provided by staff of the Joint Program in Knowledge Translation, a collaborative effort between St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of care by developing, implementing and evaluating strategies that bridge the knowledge-to-practice gap, and to research the most effective ways to translate knowledge into action. Specific services that the Program offers over the ktclearinghouse website include: Knowledge Translation Consultation Service for supporting different clinical units at St. Michael's Hospital and researchers from the University of Toronto to research, develop, implement and/or evaluate knowledge translation strategies; and a short 'primer' course on knowledge translation, designed for individuals who want to learn the basics of 'doing knowledge translation.'
The KT Clearinghouse website is also the home of a CIHR-funded research network, KT Canada, and its training initiative. A multimedia archive of the KT Canada workshop series and the course material of the KT summer institute are also hosted at the KT clearinghouse website.