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 provision 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. For example US research into treating and preventing AIDS has cost $30 billion. Without this research more than 50% of hospital beds would be filled with AIDS patients at a cost of $1.4 trillion—for every $1 spent in research on AIDS, $50 are saved in treatment costs. In addition, without the application of research into cardiovascular disease done from 1982 until present, costs to treat these patients would be 35% higher. Improving and speeding KT reaps benefits for all participants in the healthcare world.
While there has been an exponential growth in the interest in knowledge translation, to date there is limited capacity in the field. This course will serve as a “primer” on knowledge translation for those interested in the field in order to enhance capacity and to facilitate implementation of KT initiatives. It is aimed at people who want to learn the basics of ‘doing KT’.
This two day course will focus on specific objectives and will include a mixture of didactic and interactive learning and lead to the completion of a project proposal. The course will use the Knowledge to Action Cycle as a framework: http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/39033.html.
How will I benefit from this course?
This course will provide you with the understanding and tools to increase the impact of your knowledge translation (KT) activities.
The purpose of this course is to:
- Learn the basics of putting knowledge into action
- Apply the basics of knowledge translation to a project relevant to your own setting
- Build capacity in the practice of knowledge translation
Skills support (methodology, evaluation, needs assessments etc) will be available to participants as they complete their project plans. Facilitators include Sharon Straus, Director of the KT Program, and Onil Bhattacharyya, Clinical Scientist, of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael’s Hospital.
Course Details
Course Date: July 5-6, 2012, (Begins 8:30 am July 5 and ends 4:00 pm July 6)
Course Location: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Rm 240-241, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON
Course fee: $600/person
Application deadline: June 15, 2012
Who can apply?
- This short-course is open to researchers in any of the CIHR pillars.
- Participants should register as a partnered team (i.e. bring a buddy). The team should consist of decision makers and/or anticipated end-users of the knowledge from relevant clinical departments or other stakeholder/partnership group.
How do I apply?
- Please submit your name and the name(s) of your partner/collaborator/co-investigator
- Briefly describe the identified health care challenge with an explanation of the relevance including a description of the disease burden for example. This should not be more than 1 paragraph in length.
- Briefly describe the type of knowledge that will be translated including whether there is good evidence comprising this knowledge (e.g. there is good evidence from trials showing that delirium prevention strategies are effective on inpatient medicine units)
For more information and to apply:
Please see attached information or contact Gail Klein by email kleing@smh.ca.
Download: KT Basics course advertisement (Word .docx, 15KB)
