Graham, I. D. & Tetroe, J. (2007). Some Theoretical Underpinnings of Knowledge Translation. Academic Emergency Medicine, 14(11), 936-941.

Format: Peer-reviewed article

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: A literature search was undertaken in pursuit of conceptual models describing knowledge translation. Of over 4,200 relevant documents found, 31 planned action theories were included in the analysis. Of these 31, only 12 were tested empirically. Many steps were similar among the 31 theories.

Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Government, University

Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Clinicians, Researchers

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Sector

This article uses the Commercial Devices and Services version of the NtK Model

• When intending to implement change, one also needs to consider the impact of the following factors to fully understand what is involved in completing each of the steps: 1) nature of the evidence or knowledge, 2) attributes of change or innovation, 3) who the audience is, 4) organizational context and culture in which the change is to take place, 5) the organizational resources and support for the proposed change, and 6) implementation-related factors.
  Results from knowledge synthesis
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 1.C, KTA Step 1.D

• Identify a problem that needs addressing; Identify the need for change; Identify change agents (i.e., the appropriate actors to bring about the change); Identify target audience; Assess barriers to using the knowledge; Review evidence and literature or develop or adapt innovation; Select and tailor interventions to promote the use of the knowledge; Link to appropriate individuals or groups who have vested interests in the project; Implement; Evaluate; Develop a plan to evaluate use of the knowledge; Pilot test; Evaluate process; Evaluate outcomes; Maintain change or sustain ongoing knowledge use.
  Results from a knowledge synthesis
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 1.C, KTA Step 1.D, KTA Step 1.E, KTA Step 1.F, KTA Step 1.G, KTA Step 2.C, KTA Step 2.D, KTA Step 2.E, KTA Step 2.F, KTA Step 2.G