My chosen health promotion project is to investigate inequitable access to computed tomography (CT) scans in Southwestern Ontario. With a goal to reduce wait time inequities, this complex problem will require complex solutions involving input from key partners who have different expertise and perspectives (Gagliardi et al., 2016). For any possible process improvements to result in any significant changes, effective knowledge translation will be required. Knowledge translation, as defined by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, is a dynamic and iterative process that includes the synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve health, provide more effective health services and strengthen the healthcare system (Grimshaw, 2010). Integrated knowledge translation has been described as a model of collaborative research, where researchers work with knowledge users who identify a problem and have the authority to implement the research recommendations (Nguyen et al., 2020).
To support knowledge translation for this health promotion topic, multiple appropriate and relevant approaches will be required. Several knowledge users, including Ontario Health, physicians, diagnostic imaging leadership, medical radiological technologists, booking clerks and patients, will be required to provide input and direction on improvement strategies. In person contact between knowledge users and researchers will be required and this has been cited repeatedly by decision-makers as the most influential factor determining the use of project outcomes (Gagliardi et al., 2016). A decision support syntheses should be applied to ensure engagement of decision-makers in the development of the research questions and knowledge translation protocols; selection of appropriate methods; development of an engagement process for decision making audiences to interpret and contextualize the results; and the development of specific recommendations to address inequitable wait times for CT scans (Gagliardi et al., 2016). Overall, a collaborative approach with knowledge users during each stage of the project will be one of the best ways to support rapid application of improvement opportunities and generate greater impact on practice, policy, and the health systems surrounding the provision of CT scans (Nguyen et al., 2020).
References
Gagliardi, A. R., Berta, W., Kothari, A., Boyko, J., & Urquhart, R. (2016). Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) in health care: A scoping review. Implementation Science, 11(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-016-0399-1
Grimshaw, J. (2010). A knowledge synthesis chapter. A guide to knowledge synthesis. Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Ottawa, Ontario: CIHR. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/documents/knowledge_synthesis_chapter_e.pdf
Nguyen, T., Graham, I. D., Mrklas, K. J., Bowen, S., Cargo, M., Estabrooks, C. A., Kothari, A., Lavis, J., MacAulay, A. C., MacLeod, M., Phipps, D., Ramsden, V. R., Renfrew, M. J., Salsberg, J., & Wallerstein, N. (2020). How does integrated knowledge translation (IKT) compare to other collaborative research approaches to generating and translating knowledge? Learning from experts in the field. Health Research Policy and Systems, 18(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-020-0539-6
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