A scoping review of knowledge translation in strengthening health policy and practice: sources, platforms, tools, opportunities, and challenges.

BACKGROUND

Knowledge translation (KT) interventions encompass a variety of activities, platforms, tools, approaches, and strategies designed to leverage research evidence to enhance health policy and practice. This study aims to review and synthesize existing evidence regarding the sources of evidence for KT, platforms and tools, and their opportunities and challenges in strengthening health policy and practice.

METHODS

A qualitative synthesis of the literature was conducted, adhering to scoping review guidelines. Relevant articles were identified through searches in seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) utilizing keywords combined with Boolean operators. Additional articles were searched in Google Scholar. The search included articles published globally up to July 30, 2023, and was restricted to English-language publications. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist was followed. Thematic analysis was performed, organizing emerging themes into four overarching categories: the source of evidence for KT, platforms and tools, opportunities, and challenges.

RESULTS

The final review included 64 articles. Several themes emerged in each category of analysis. For instance, the source of evidence for KT interventions was primarily derived from review-informed findings and tacit knowledge. KT interventions were facilitated through various platforms and tools, such as advisory committees, review and monitoring meetings, policy dialogues, frameworks, and digital tools including social media. Identified opportunities for KT included health system leadership, knowledge co-production, partnerships, organizational readiness, and evidence contextualization. Conversely, challenges included inadequate institutionalization of integrated approaches, organizational hierarchies, and fragmentation of KT efforts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study synthesizes insights into the sources of knowledge, KT platforms, and institutional arrangements, as well as the opportunities and challenges associated with KT interventions. The synthesized knowledge, drawn from reviews and experiential learning, can serve as a valuable resource for KT, disseminated through diverse platforms. Collaborative partnerships among evidence producers, users, and knowledge brokers, supported by appropriate frameworks, are essential for enhancing KT and improving health policy and practice.