NHSRU Knowledge Transfer

The Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, (CHSRF) defines knowledge transfer as “… a range of activities [that] includes encouraging researchers and decision makers to work together on developing research questions and finding the answers to them; creating resources…for people to share information…establish dissemination processes; and encouraging the use of research-based evidence in running the healthcare system”

The following definition of knowledge transfer(KT) has been developed by the NHSRU to guide its KT Strategy and initiatives.

Knowledge transfer is a continuum of processes and activities that bring researchers and decision-makers together from the stage of idea generation to implementing evidence-based initiatives. Researchers and decision-makers influence each other’s shared and separate mandates to generate timely and relevant evidence and make it available and accessible. In turn, stakeholders assess the utility of the evidence for their own settings and use it for the purpose of informing and advancing their decision-making in the areas of policy, practice, or planning.

NHSRU Knowledge Transfer initiatives:

1. Linkages & Exchange Initiatives

• The NHSRU –Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) Liaison Committee; meets semi-annually to promote the ability of researchers and stakeholders to understand each others needs.
• Interactive Research Forums, held twice per year
  • July 4, 2005 Research Forum
  • November 16, 2005 Invitational Roundtable
  • Feb. 21, 2006 Research Forum
• The NHSRU External Advisory Committee; meets semi-annually
• Priority response to MOHLTC knowledge transfer needs and requests

2. Communications Initiatives

• Nursing Research Bulletin, electronic newsletter published bi-annually
• Press releases to announce key research findings
• Quarterly information packages to MOHLTC

Proactive in nature, our knowledge transfer strategy involves and engages the communities of researchers and stakeholders (i.e., policy and decision makers) at every step of the research continuum—from identified need/question to dissemination of findings. The strategy incorporates the knowledge transfer activities successfully employed to date, while being further strengthened and formalized through expanded linkages with the MOHLTC (including the MOHLTC Knowledge Transfer Officer) and between the two NHSRU sites.

Knowledge brokering is a central component of knowledge transfer. It has been described as “the active, relationship-building aspect of knowledge transfer, a third party role dedicated to linking researchers and research users so that information, innovation and support can flow freely between them” (CHSRF). Each site of the NHSRU has a Knowledge Broker in place to lead our KT programs.

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