Davison, C.M. (2009). Knowledge Translation: Implications for Evaluation. New Directions for Evaluation,(124), 75-87.

Format: Peer-reviewed article

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: The authors use the results of an extensive knowledge translation literature review to provide a detailed treatment of knowledge translation origins; definitions; key concepts; theories, models, and frameworks; and how knowledge translation differs from other knowledge-to-action processes. The authors propose evaluation indicators for knowledge translation success and frame the importance of using a knowledge translations lens during as part of the evaluation process.

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

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

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization

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

Carrier: For research project evaluators, a knowledge translation (or knowledge-to-action or knowledge transfer, utilization, dissemination, or implementation) lens can help them to answer questions about the experience of the various actors as they interact. It also helps evaluators to answer questions about how knowledge may have informed the project or intervention and how knowledge flows into, within, and out of these activities over time.
Literature review.
Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3

• When evaluating a research project for knowledge translation success, useful researcher-stakeholder interaction indicators would include showing evidence of: communication channels, processes, and contexts between knowledge translation actors; working relationships among stakeholders; shared vocabulary among stakeholders; knowledge being relevant to and understood by the target audience; a linking or brokerage role being taken among stakeholders; and members of the target audience being engaged as co-researchers.
  Literature review.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 7.F, KTA Step 3.F, KTA Step 6.F

• When evaluating a research project for knowledge translation success, useful researcher-stakeholder knowledge application (passive or active) indicators would be: knowledge being used to inform decision making, in relation to individuals or in relation to policy and practice within systems, institutions, and regions; research products being used to inform policy or agenda; changes in behavior, awareness, communication, or interaction patterns evident among stakeholders.
  Literature review.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 3.F, KTA Step 6.F, KTA Step 7.F

• When evaluating a research project for knowledge translation success, one useful researcher-stakeholder knowledge application (passive or active) indicator would be, knowledge being used to help create and support interventions.
  Literature review.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.D, KTA Step 1.F, KTA Step 2.D, KTA Step 2.F, KTA Step 3.D, KTA Step 3.F

Model: As part of the evaluation planning associated with a research project, the researchers should consider the context of the knowledge translation process. Useful questions to ask include, what is the issue being translated? what stage of knowledge translation is currently the focus? who are the key actors? what are characteristics of the setting?
Literature review.
Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 3.A, KTA Step 3.B, KTA Step 6.A, KTA Step 6.B, KTA Step 7.A, KTA Step 7.B

Method: As part of the evaluation planning associated with a research project, the researchers should consider: the definitions of how the knowledge translation process is framed by the actors themselves; the decision-making processes that should exist; and the critical events that should take place.
Literature review.
Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3