Identifying the Knowledge-to-Action Gaps

Identifying the knowledge-to-action gaps (knowledge needs) is the starting point of knowledge implementation and should involve rigorous methods and relevant stakeholders

Strategies for needs assessments depend on the purpose of the assessment, the type of data, available resources, and whether the needs are subjectively or objectively measured.

Needs assessments can occur from the perspective of the population, the provider organization, or the health care provider.

Means to measure gap:

Measuring gap at the population level:

• Administrative databases
• Clinical databases

Measuring gap at the organization level:

• Health Records
• Chart Audits

Measuring gap at the care provider level:

• Direct observations
• Questionnaires