A scoping review reveals candidate quality indicators of knowledge translation and implementation science practice tools.

OBJECTIVES

To identify candidate quality indicators from existing tools that provide guidance on how to practice knowledge translation and implemenation science (KT practice tools) across KT domains (dissemination, implementation, sustainability, and scalability).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. We systematically searched multiple electronic databases and the gray literature. Documents were independently screened, selected, and extracted by pairs of reviewers. Data about the included articles, KT practice tools, and candidate quality indicators were analyzed, categorized, and summarized descriptively.

RESULTS

Of 43,060 titles and abstracts that were screened from electronic databases and gray literature, 850 potentially relevant full-text articles were identified, and 253 articles were included in the scoping review. Of these, we identified 232 unique KT practice tools from which 27 unique candidate quality indicators were generated. The identified candidate quality indicators were categorized according to the development (n = 17), evaluation (n = 5) and adaptation (n = 3) of the tools, and engagement of knowledge users (n = 2). No tools were identified that appraised the quality of KT practice tools.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of a quality appraisal instrument of KT practice tools is needed. The results will be further refined and finalized in order to develop a quality appraisal instrument for KT practice tools.