Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions



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CURRENT ISSUE BACK ISSUES SUBSCRIBE ADVERTISE ABOUT JCEHP FOR AUTHORS JCEHP AWARD SEARCH		Volume 26 (1) Volume 26, Issue 1, Winter 2006 J Contin Educ Health Prof 2006; 26(1):25 RESEARCH ARTICLE A Guide to Knowledge Translation Theory Carole A. Estabrooks David S. Thompson J. Jacque E. Lovely Anne Hofmeyer A b s t r a c t Despite calls over several decades for theory development, there remains no overarching knowledge-translation theory. However, a range of models and theoretical perspectives focused on narrower and related areas have been available for some time. We provide an overview of selected perspectives that we believe are particularly useful for developing testable and useful knowledge-translation interventions. In addition, we discuss adjuvant theories necessary to complement these perspectives. We draw from organizational innovation, health, and social sciences literature to illustrate the similarities and differences of various theoretical perspectives related to the knowledge-translation field. A variety of theoretical perspectives useful to knowledge translation exist. They are often spread across disciplinary boundaries, making them difficult to locate and use. Poor definitional clarity, discipline-specific terminology, and implicit assumptions often hinder the use of complementary perspectives. Health care environments are complex, and assessing the setting prior to selecting a theory should be the first step in knowledge-translation initiatives. Finding a fit between setting (context) and theory is important for knowledge-translation initiatives to succeed. Because one theory will not fit all contexts, it is helpful to understand and use several different theories. Although there are often barriers associated with combining theories from different disciplines, such obstacles can be overcome, and to do so will increase the likelihood that knowledge-translation initiatives will succeed. Lessons for Practice Theory is needed to develop testable and probably useful knowledge-translation interventions. Multiple theoretical perspectives are more powerful than an overarching theory for guiding knowledge-translation processes. Appropriate knowledge-translation theory is located in many disciplines and is not specific to a health discipline. Transferring theories between disciplines is challenging given the terminology and assumptions associated with different backgrounds. It is critical to find a fit between the theoretical perspective and the context in which it is to be applied. Key Words: knowledge translation, research utilization, knowledge utilization, models, theory
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