This weeks OTalk research chat will be hosted by @preston_jenny supported by @SamOTantha on the account
When considering the research process in its fullest sense the generation of evidence in itself is not sufficient. The process by which new knowledge is translated into policy and practice is complex, variable and frequently slow (Graham et al, 2006). Despite the considerable resources devoted to health sciences research, a consistent finding from the literature is that the transfer of research findings into practice is often a gradual and haphazard process (Graham et al, 2006). Graham et al (2006) argues that this means that patients are denied treatment of proven benefit because the time it takes for research to become incorporated into practice is unacceptably long citing the example that 30% to 45% of patients are not receiving care according to scientific evidence and that 20% to 25% of the care provided is not needed or is potentially harmful (Graham et al, 2006).
Finding and integrating evidence into the existing decision-making process can be challenging and several strategies have been proposed to support staff (Robertson et al, 2013). Dissemination is a key part of the research process and incorporates focussed distribution aimed at increasing awareness and changing attitudes. In their review of what actually informs occupational therapy practice Robertson et al (2013) identified four emergent themes of which informal, quick methods of accessing the evidence were favoured.
Publication within peer reviewed journals is of course a key form of dissemination but increasingly innovative and creative forms of dissemination are emerging. This #OTalk will seek to explore a range of approaches to dissemination incorporating their strengths and limitations and their impact on knowledge translation.
In advance of the chat please consider the following questions:
- What forms of evidence do you most frequently access?
- How does this meet your needs?
- Have you discovered any innovative and creative approaches to dissemination?
- What attracted you to these alternative formats?
- Are there any limitations?
- Do you have any innovative ideas that you would like to develop?
References
Graham ID, Logan J, Harrison MB, et al, (2006) Lost in knowledge translation: time for a map? The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 26: 13-24
Robertson L, Graham F, Anderson J (2013) What actually informs practice: occupational therapists’ views of evidence. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(7), 317-324.DOI: 10.4276/030802213X13729279114979
OTalk 