Knowledge Translation: the bridging function of Cochrane Rehabilitation

In everyday life it is always difficult to apply what we would like to do. This is even more true for the application of scientific knowledge which can be due to a phenomenon known as the “know-do gap” that con occur whet the evidence is not focused on (or written for) the consumers1.

A solution to this problem is the so-called “Knowledge Translation” (KT) Framework, which is defined as “a dynamic and interactive process that includes the synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve health, provide more effective health services and products, and strengthen the health care system”2. KT has been recognised as essential in achieving Cochrane’s Strategy to 2020 fundamental commitment to the dissemination, use and impact of Cochrane evidence.

The Cochrane KT Framework was approved in April 2017. An Advisory Group was created to bring together leaders in Cochrane with an interest and experience in KT to advise on effective implementation and leadership of the CochraneKT Framework and Cochrane Rehabilitation Director, Prof. Stefano Negrini, has been included in this Group.

Six key themes have been identified for the Cochrane's KT Strategy Framework:

1.      Prioritization and co-production of Cochrane reviews: Producing reviews that meet the needs of our users

2.      Packing, push and support to implementation: Consulting with our users to develop delivery solutions for our reviews and products

3.      Facilitating pull: Growing our users’ capacity to find and use our reviews

4.      Exchange: Engaging with our users to support their evidence-informed decision making

5.      Improving climate: Advocating for evidence-informed decision-making in healthcare

6.      Sustainable KT processes: Building a sustainable infrastructure for knowledge translation

Cochrane Rehabilitation efforts to meet the KT strategy would consist of helping Cochrane Review Groups in producing evidence relevant to the world of rehabilitation (Methodology Committee); to spread the knowledge to the world of rehabilitation (Communication and Publication Committees); to increase the knowledge inside the world of rehabilitation while improving the climate (Education Committee); and to be cost-effective.

 

References

1.  Glenton C et al. Summaries of findings, descriptions of interventions, and information about adverse effects would make reviews more informative.    J Clin Epidemiol 2006; 59: 770-8.

2.  Mc Kibbon KA et al. A cross sectional study of the number and frequency of terms used to refer to knowledge translation in a body of health literature in 2006: a tower of Babel? Impl Sci. 2010; 5:16.

3.  Cochrane Knowledge Translation Strategy (April 2017)