Knowledge Transfer within the Canadian Chiropractic Community. Part 1: Understanding Evidence-Practice Gaps

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE:   J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2013 (Jun); 57 (2): 111–115

Greg Kawchuk, DC, PhD, Paul Bruno, BHK, DC, PhD,
Jason W. Busse, DC, PhD, André Bussières, DC, FCCS(C), PhD,
Mark Erwin, DC, PhD, Steven Passmore, Hons BKin, DC, PhD,
and John Srbely, DC, PhD

Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair
in Spinal Function,
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine,
University of Alberta

Overview

This two-part commentary aims to provide a basic understanding of knowledge translation (KT), how KT is currently integrated in the chiropractic community and our view of how to improve KT in our profession. Part 1 presents an overview of KT and discusses some of the common barriers to successful KT within the chiropractic profession. Part 2 will suggest strategies to mitigate these barriers and reduce the evidence-practice gap for both the profession at large and for practicing clinicians.

 

Introduction

New knowledge is created at such a rapid pace that health care professionals find it difficult, if not impossible, to keep up to date. In a single day alone, 75 clinical trials and 11 systematic reviews are published. [1] As a result, it is incredibly difficult to keep up to date with the literature in order to implement new knowledge that may optimize patient care, increase benefits, or reduce harm. In an effort to promote evidence-based practice, many researchers and funding agencies are now focusing on processes to deliver emerging evidence successfully to clinicians and other stakeholders; this process has been termed KT.

What is KT?

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The Evidence-based Practice Page

KT is defined by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) as ‘a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products, and strengthen the health care system’. [2] In other words, it is the ongoing process of effectively translating current and up-to-date research into practice and policy.

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