Why is knowledge translation important?

Health research evidence does not automatically translate into action - dedicated resources and expertise are needed. KT aims to increase the use and the impact of health research through the dissemination, exchange, synthesis and application of research evidence.

KT has always been an important element of MSFHR programs, in particular our special initiatives and infrastructure awards. Building on this base, we’re expanding our KT role, as outlined in our 2011-2015 plan.

Our KT plan

MSFHR’s KT plan outlines objectives towards increasing the use of health research evidence through a range of activities from education and support for researchers and research users to research implementation projects.

Read the MSFHR Knowledge Translation Plan Summary (pdf)

To support our work we have:

• Confirmed a consistent term and definition for knowledge translation to describe our activities in this area. (See KT Plan Development – Supporting Documents below for more information);
• Developed criteria for our activities, which includes obtaining provincial and/or national partner co-funding to leverage our government funding and extend our reach; and
• Committed to evaluating our own KT activities and those of our award holders, so that we can improve our programs and share best practices and lessons learned.

Our KT plan is the result of an in-depth process involving stakeholder interviews, an environmental scan, a discussion paper, and an expert working group meeting. 

Evaluating KT

Guided by MSFHR’s performance measurement and evaluation framework, we will monitor and evaluate our KT activities and overall plan. We will also evaluate the KT activities of our award holders as part of our commitment to measuring the impact of our funded projects.

Review MSFHR's performance measurement and evaluation framework.

KT Plan Development

Our KT plan builds on related work in our Health Services and Policy Research Support Network (2005 - present), the BC Health of Population Networks, (2005 - 2010), the BC Nursing Research Initiative (2007 - present), and the Technology/Methodology Platforms (2007 - present): funding programs that connect researchers and research users in the production and use of evidence.

Supporting Documents

• KT Term and Definition (pdf)
• Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KT/E) Discussion Paper (pdf) Oct 20, 2010  
• Summary of Feedback to KTE Discussion Paper
• KT Proposed Activity Areas - framework (pdf)
• Performance Measurement and Evaluation Framework
• KT Expert Working Group meeting notes (pdf) Nov 2, 2010

 

Last updated May 2, 2012