Knowledge translation: bridging the disability research-to-practice gap

ABSTRACT

Applied disability research aims to influence practice yet research results often do not reach, or take a long time to filter through to, those who use and those who deliver services. There are no data for disability related research but it is estimated that it takes on average 17 years for health research to be translated into practice and only about 14% of all research ever makes its way into day-to-day practice. Consequently, service users and providers may find it challenging to apply research findings in their day-to-day lives and work. The emerging field of knowledge translation challenges researchers to think beyond traditional ways of producing and disseminating research to increase research integrity, uptake, and applicability. This article uses examples from two research projects to illustrate the authors’ application of a knowledge translation framework, the Knowledge to Action Process, along with a detailed knowledge translation plan. Knowledge translation is emerging in the disability field as an important approach in ensuring that research agendas and results are led by, and communicated in partnership with those with most to gain – people with disabilities, their support networks, and practitioners. Best practice in knowledge translation indicates an integrated approach underpinned by a recognised conceptual framework and a sound plan that identifies the aims, stakeholders, main messages, and strategies, and includes evaluation measures. Using a knowledge translation framework and plan may assist the uptake of research evidence in the applied disability sector.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge translation
• applied research
• practice
• Knowledge to Action process

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to acknowledge the Knowledge Translation Professional Certificate course at Sick Kids, Toronto, Canada.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. The authors acknowledge that there are many philosophical assumptions underpinning approaches to knowledge translation impact, but it is not within the scope of this article to describe these in detail.