Developing the Knowledge Translation and Impact Planner (KTIPs): a resource to enhance research translation and impact in health and rehabilitation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Knowledge translation (KT) is an essential skill to assist health academics to better develop, disseminate, and implement research findings to improve health care quality and impact, but many academics lack knowledge and skills in this area. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the KT-informed approach used to develop the Knowledge Translation and Impact Planner (KTIPs) to improve the quality of KT planning, and to examine the acceptability of the KTIPs. Methods: The process of developing the tool is described, including use of published literature, application of integrated KT, and consultation with end-users (n=18), including university academics, higher degree research (HDR) candidates, and experts in the KT field. The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) framework was used to categorize strategies used during pilot implementation. The tool includes a comprehensive instructional guide and accompanying template that systematically takes researchers through each step of the KT process: synthesis, exchange, dissemination, and implementation, as well as guidance on planning for impact following effective KT. Results: Academic staff and HDR candidate stakeholders, and comprehensive advice from experts shaped development of the tool. The tool went through three rounds of concurrent feedback with different end-users. End-users confirmed its acceptability, indicating the KTIPs was adaptable, comprehensive, instructional, and facilitated development of KT and impact plans addressing varied KT goals. Conclusion: The KTIPs was acceptable among academic staff and HDR candidates and facilitated the KT and impact planning process. The KTIPs is freely available and is designed to be navigated, completed, and saved electronically to facilitate implementation of developed plans. Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A253