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Module 11

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Module 11

Knowledge Transfer (KT) in Healthcare

Start

Special Acknowledgement

Section 1: Foundations and Theories in KT

Section 2: Best Practices for Processes in KT

Index

Section 3: Dissemination Methods and Strategies for KT

Foundations and Theories in KT

Objectives

Section 1: Foundations and Theories in KT

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Define the practice of Knowledge Transfer (KT) in the healthcare setting

Describe facilitators and barriers with KT

OBJECTIVES

Utilize various frameworks to assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Knowledge Transfer​

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

Create

Information

Know - How

Skill

Data

Share

Foundation and Theories

Research (to) Practice

Terminology

Research to Practice Terms
Healthcare Terms
  • Knowledge Transfer (KT)
  • Knowledge Translation
  • Knowledge Exchange
  • Knowledge Mobilization (KMb)
  • Knowledge Dissemination
  • Knowledge Brokering
  • Knowledge Integration
  • Knowledge Management
  • Implementation Science
  • Dissemination and Implementation (D&I)
  • Evidence Translation
  • Research Utilization
  • Evidence-Informed Practice
  • Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
  • Knowledge-to-Action
  • Research Uptake
  • Closing the Research-to-Practice Gap

Foundation and Theories

Knowledge Transfer (kT)

in Medicine

Why KT Matters?
What is it?
  • Decrease time delays from research to practice
  • New adoptions linked to better outcomes
  • Improvements in quality, safety, and efficiency
  • Transfer research into clinical practice
  • Includes dissemination, adoption, and application
Purpose

Goal is to reduce "gap" from research to outcomes

Barriers & Facilitators

Click button

Consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR)

Outer Setting

Implementation Process
  • Critical Incidents
  • Local Attitudes
  • Local Conditions
  • Partnerships & Connections
  • Financing
  • External Pressures
  • Teaming
  • Assessing Needs
  • Assessing Context
  • Planning
  • Tailoring Strategies
  • Engaging
  • Doing
  • Reflecting & Evaluating
  • Adapting

Inner Setting

  • Structural Characteristics
  • Relational Connections
  • Communications
  • Culture
  • Tension for Change
  • Compatibility
  • Relative Priority
  • Incentive Systems
  • Mission Alignment
  • Available Resources
  • Access to Knowledge & Entertainment
The THING (Innovation)
  • Source
  • Evidence-Base
  • Relative Advantage
  • Adaptability
  • Triability
  • Complexity
  • Design
  • Cost
Process

Individuals

  • Opinion Leaders
  • Implementation Facilitators
  • Implementation Leads
  • Implementation Team Members
  • Other Implementation Support
  • Innovation Deliverers
  • Innovation Recipients

Roles

  • High-level Leaders
  • Mid-level Leaders

Consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR)

CFIR Implementation Determinants

Innovation Determinants

Antecedent Assessments

Acceptability, Appropriateness, Feasibility Implementation Climate, Implementation Readiness

Implementation Outcomes

Innovation Outcomes

Anticipated

actual

Innovation Outcomes

Implementation Outcomes

Implementation Outcomes

Indicators of anticipated implementation success or failures

Indicators of actual implementation success or failures

Indicators of innovation success or failure: innovation impact on key constituents

Hover over the button

Hover over the button

Hover over the button

(Reardon, 2025)

Knowledge-to-action Framework

Action Cycle (Application)

(Graham, 2006)

PARIHS (i-PARIHS) FRAMEWORK

i-PARIHS Framework
PARIHS Framework
  • SI = Facn(I + R + C)​
  • SI = successful implementation
  • Facn = facilitation​
  • I = innovation​
  • R = recipients (individual and collective)​
  • C = context (inner and outer)
  • SI = ƒ(E,C,F)​
  • SI = successful implementation​
  • ƒ = function (of)​
  • E = evidence​
  • C = context​
  • F = facilitation

Innovation

What is Innovation?

How is it related to KT?

Click below to hear more

Click below to hear more

ROGER'S THEORY OF DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION

Adoption Influences
  • Relative Advantage​
  • Compatibility​
  • Complexity​
  • Trialability​
  • Observability​

CHANGE MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE

What is Change Management and Organizational Change?

How is it related to KT?

Click below to hear more

Click below to hear more

Establish a sense of urgency
Build a guiding coalition

KOTTER'S 8-STEP CHANGE MODEL

Form a strategic vision and initiatives
Enlist a volunteer army
Enable action by removing barriers

What is the process?

Generate short-term wins
Sustain acceleration
Institute change
Click on the + to learn more

Kurt Lewin's: Three-Step model

Change process
Unfreezing

Employee involvement in change

Knowledge sharing

Organizational change

Change process
Refreezing
Change process

Organizational change process showing different stages

Leadership

Implementation of change

Integration of theories

Evidence Generated

Knowledge Applied

Organizational Change

  • CFIR
  • KTA
  • PARIHS, i-PARIHS
  • Diffusion of innovation
  • Research
  • Systematic reviews
  • Kotter's 8-Step
  • Lewin's 3-Step

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Best Practices and Processes for KT

Objectives

Section 2: Best Practices and Processes for KT

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

List at least five best practices for transferringknowledge into practice

Differentiate from data and people processes tosupport the transfer of Knowledge into practice​

OBJECTIVES

Describe how context and organizational cultureare related to knowledge transfer​

Evidence Synthesis

Studies into usable formats
Support guideline development
Systematic Reviews

Toolkits & Checklists

Promote consistency andadherence
Provide practical &usable suggestions
Simplify complexguidelines

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Act

Plan

  • Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA)
  • Feedback-Driven Improvements
  • Feedback Loops
  • Align with KT Goals

Study

Do

Evaluation: Feedback Loops

Distorts the true relationship

KT Processes

Knowledge with Stakeholders​
Communities of Practice​
Embedding KT into Organizational Culture​
Role of Champion & Opinion Leaders​

Info

Info

Info

Info

Review:​Knowledge Transfer (3:14)

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Dissemination Methods and Strategies for KT

Objectives

Section 2: Dissemination Methods and Strategies for KT

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Describe various methods and strategies to actively transfer knowledge into practice

List potential advantages and challenges with each strategy within a hospital and community setting

OBJECTIVES

Analyze maternal health KT case studies for their successes and challenges

KT Methods & Strategies

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)​
Audit and Feedback​
Educational Outreach​

Info

Info

Info

Policy Brief & White Papers​
Digital Platforms & Mobile Apps​
Train-the-Trainer Programs​

Info

Info

Info

Storytelling & Case Studies​
Interdisciplinary Collaboration​

Info

Info

Governmental KT & Dissemination Tools​

Maternal Health: KT Case Studies

Implementation Science in Maternity Care – Scoping Review​

Implementation Processes in Maternal-Newborn Care (Ontario)​

MCH Leadership Training Program – Implementation Science Framework​

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

COMPLETED:

SUMMARY

  • Define the practice of Knowledge Transfer (KT) in the healthcare setting​
  • Describe facilitators and barriers with KT​
  • Utilize various frameworks to assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Knowledge Transfer​

Section 1: Foundations and Theories in KT​

Section 2: Best Practices and Processes for KT ​

  • Insert List at least five best practices for transferring knowledge into practice​
  • Differentiate from data and people processes to support the transfer of Knowledge into practice​
  • Describe how context and organizational culture are related to knowledge transfer​

Section 3: Dissemination Methods and Strategies for KT​

  • Describe various methods and strategies to actively transfer knowledge into practice​
  • List potential advantages and challenges with each strategy within a hospital and community setting​
  • Analyze maternal health KT case studies for their successes and challenges ​

REFERENCES

Bero, L. A., Grilli, R., Grimshaw, J. M., Harvey, E., Oxman, A. D., & Thomson, M. A. (1998). Closing the gap between research and practice: An overview of systematic reviews of interventions to promote implementation of research findings. BMJ, 317(7156), 465–468. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.317.7156.465​ Bhutta, Z. A., Das, J. K., Rizvi, A., Gaffey, M. F., Walker, N., Horton, S., Webb, P., Lartey, A., & Black, R. E. (2014). Evidence-based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition: What can be done and at what cost? The Lancet, 384(9950), 347–370. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60996-4​ Burnes, B. (2004). Kurt Lewin and the planned approach to change: A re‐appraisal. Journal of Management Studies, 41(6), 977–1002. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2004.00463.x​ Cargo, M., & Mercer, S. L. (2008). The value and challenges of participatory research: Strengthening its practice. Annual Review of Public Health, 29(1), 325–350. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.29.091307.083824​ Carman, K. L., Dardess, P., Maurer, M., Sofaer, S., Adams, K., Bechtel, C., & Sweeney, J. (2013). Patient and family engagement: A framework for understanding the elements and developing interventions and policies. Health Affairs, 32(2), 223–231. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2012.1133​ Chapman, E., Haby, M. M., Toma, T. S., de Bortoli, M. C., Illanes, E., Oliveros, M. J., & Barreto, J. O. M. (2020). Knowledge translation strategies for dissemination with a focus on healthcare recipients: an overview of systematic reviews. Implementation Science, 15(1), 14.​ Cook, D. A., Hamstra, S. J., Brydges, R., Zendejas, B., Szostek, J. H., Wang, A. T., Erwin, P. J., & Hatala, R. (2011). Comparative effectiveness of instructional design features in simulation-based education: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Medical Education, 45(8), 778–786. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365- 2923.2011.04025.x​ Dadich, A., Piper, A., & Coates, D. (2021). Implementation science in maternity care: A scoping review. Implementation Science, 16(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-021-01083-6​ Damschroder, L. J., Aron, D. C., Keith, R. E., Kirsh, S. R., Alexander, J. A., & Lowery, J. C. (2009). Fostering implementation of health services research findings into practice: A consolidated framework for advancing implementation science. Implementation Science, 4(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-4-50​ Deming, W. E. (1986). Out of the crisis. MIT Press.​ Eccles, M. P., & Mittman, B. S. (2006). Welcome to Implementation Science. Implementation Science, 1(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-1-1​ Estabrooks, C. A., Thompson, D. S., Lovely, J. J., & Hofmeyer, A. (2006). A guide to knowledge translation theory. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 26(1), 25–36. https://doi.org/10.1002/chp.48​ Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M., & Wallace, R. M. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature. University of South Florida.​ Flodgren, G., Parmelli, E., Doumit, G., Gattellari, M., O’Brien, M. A., Grimshaw, J., & Eccles, M. P. (2011). Local opinion leaders: Effects on professional practice and health care outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2011(8), CD000125. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000125.pub4​ Galli, B. J. (2018). Change management models: A comparative analysis and concerns. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 46(3), 124–132. https://doi.org/10.1109/EMR.2018.2866860​ Geyman, J. P. (2018). Evidence-based clinical practice: Concepts and approaches. Radcliffe Publishing.​ Graham, I. D., Logan, J., Harrison, M. B., Straus, S. E., Tetroe, J., Caswell, W., & Robinson, N. (2006). Lost in knowledge translation: Time for a map? Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 26(1), 13–24. https://doi.org/10.1002/chp.47​ ​

REFERENCES

Grimshaw, J. M., Eccles, M. P., Lavis, J. N., Hill, S. J., & Squires, J. E. (2012). Knowledge translation of research findings. Implementation Science, 7(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-7-50​ Harvey, G., & Kitson, A. (2015). PARIHS revisited: From heuristic to integrated framework for the successful implementation of knowledge into practice. Implementation Science, 11(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-016-0398-2​ Harvey, G., & Kitson, A. (2016). Implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare: A facilitation guide. Routledge.​ Haynes, A. B., Weiser, T. G., Berry, W. R., Lipsitz, S. R., Breizat, A. H., Dellinger, E. P., … Gawande, A. A. (2009). A surgical safety checklist to reduce morbidity and mortality in a global population. New England Journal of Medicine, 360(5), 491–499. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMsa0810119​ Kitson, A., Harvey, G., & McCormack, B. (1998). Enabling the implementation of evidence-based practice: A conceptual framework. Quality in Health Care, 7(3), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.1136/qshc.7.3.149​ Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading change. Harvard Business School Press.​ Lewin, K. (1947). Frontiers in group dynamics: Concept, method and reality in social science; social equilibria and social change. Human Relations, 1(1), 5–41. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872674700100103​ Nilsen, P. (2015). Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks. Implementation Science, 10(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-015-0242-0​ Reardon CM, Damschroder LJ, Ashcraft LE, Kerins C, Bachrach RL, Nevedal AL, Domlyn AM, Dodge J, Chinman M, Rogal S. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) User Guide: a five-step guide for conducting implementation research using the framework. Implement Sci. 2025 Aug 16;20(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s13012-025-01450-7. PMID: 40819067; PMCID: PMC12357348.​ Reszel, J., Daub, O., Dunn, S. I., Cassidy, C. E., Hafizi, K., Lightfoot, M., … Graham, I. D. (2025). Implementation processes and capacity-building needs in Ontario maternal-newborn care hospital settings: A cross-sectional survey. BMC Nursing, 24, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02643-z​ Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.​ Rycroft-Malone, J. (2004). The PARIHS framework—A framework for guiding the implementation of evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 19(4), 297–304. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001786-200410000-00002​ Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.​ Shirey, M. R. (2013). Lewin’s theory of planned change as a strategic resource. Journal of Nursing Administration, 43(2), 69–72. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0b013e31827f20a9​ Small, S., & Irvine, F. (2006). The application of Kotter’s change management model in the implementation of evidence‐based practice. Journal of Nursing Management, 14(4), 235–241. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2934.2006.00601.x​ Straus, S. E., Tetroe, J., & Graham, I. D. (2013). Knowledge translation in health care: Moving from evidence to practice (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.​ Straus, S. E., Tetroe, J., & Graham, I. D. (2019). Knowledge translation in health care: Moving from evidence to practice (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.​ Tabak, R. G., Khoong, E. C., Chambers, D. A., & Brownson, R. C. (2012). Bridging research and practice: Models for dissemination and implementation research. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(3), 337–350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.05.024​ Vamos, C. A., Thompson, E. L., Mason, S., Detman, L., Merrell, L., & Daley, E. M. (2023). MCH Leadership Training Program: An innovative application of an implementation science framework. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 27(4), 597–610. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03607-6​ ​

MODULE 11 COMPLETED

Remember to review what you've learned!
Educational Outreach​
  • 1:1 Clinician education​
  • Tailored, interactive, feedback approach​
  • Incorporate into workflow

Refreeze

In this final step of refreezing, you are reinforcing and institutionalizing the new practices to ensure stability.

Implementation Science in Maternity Care – Scoping Review​
  • What they did:​
  • Reviewed 60+ studies applying implementation science in maternity care​
  • Mapped how frameworks, models, and theories were used in practice​

What they found:​

  • Most studies referenced frameworks but few applied them rigorously​
  • Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) and PARIHS were the most commonly cited​
  • Highlighted gaps in consistency and depth of use of frameworks​

APA Reference:​Dadich, A., Piper, A., & Coates, D. (2021). Implementation science in maternity care: A scoping review. Implementation Science, 16(1), 16.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-021-01083-6​

Barriers & Facilitators to KT

(overview here)

Storytelling & Case Studies​
  • Make evidence relatable and memorable​
  • Illustrate the patient impact and human outcomes​
  • Engage with emotional and rational reasoning
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)​
  • KT integrated into EHRs​
  • Use real-time, evidence-based prompts​
  • Reduces errors and increases adherence to guidelines
Audit and Feedback​
  • Compare performance to benchmarks​
  • Encourage reflection and QI​
  • Data for Change
Interdisciplinary Collaboration​
  • Connect researchers, practitioners, policymakers​
  • Build trust and understanding​
  • Translate evidence into usable formats​
  • Improves teamwork​
  • Enhances holistic, coordinated patient care​
  • Essential for complex system-wide KT efforts​
Policy Brief & White Papers​
  • Summarize evidence for policymakers​
  • Science linked to policy options​
  • Influences systems and funding priorities
Digital Platforms & Mobile Apps​
  • Rapid dissemination of new guidelines and updates​
  • Provides reminders, checklists, and algorithms​
  • Scalable, accessible, and cost-effective

Unfreezing

In this unfreezing step, you are preparing the organization or individuals to accept that change is needed.

MCH Leadership Training Program – Implementation Science Framework​

What they did:​

  • Developed a leadership training program for maternal & child health professionals​
  • Applied implementation science CFIR framework to guide program design and evaluation​

What they found:​

  • Training improved knowledge, skills, and leadership confidence​
  • Using a structured framework helped embed evidence-based training practices​
  • Participants valued integration of theory with practice​

APA Reference:​Vamos, C. A., Thompson, E. L., Mason, S., Detman, L., Merrell, L., & Daley, E. M. (2023). MCH Leadership Training Program: An innovative application of an implementation science framework. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 27(4), 597–610. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03607-6​ ​

Implementation Processes in Maternal-Newborn Care (Ontario)​

What they did:​

  • Surveyed Ontario hospitals providing maternal-newborn care​
  • Assessed processes, confidence, and capacity for implementing practice changes​

What they found:​

  • Wide variation in hospital readiness and confidence to implement new evidence​
  • Need for capacity-building and training in implementation methods​
  • Hospitals most familiar with the Knowledge-to-Action Framework​

APA Reference:​Reszel, J., Daub, O., Dunn, S. I., Cassidy, C. E., Hafizi, K., Lightfoot, M., … Graham, I. D. (2025). Implementation processes and capacity-building needs in Ontario maternal-newborn care hospital settings: A cross-sectional survey. BMC Nursing, 24, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02643-z​

Train-the-Trainer Programs​
  • Build KT capacity​
  • Trainers cascade skills and evidence through networks​
  • Effective in resource-limited or decentralized systems

Change (move)

During the second change step, you are introducing new behaviors, processes, or ways of thinking.