The role of integrated knowledge translation in intervention research

Authors

C. Nadine Wathen, The University of Western OntarioFollow
Harriet L. Macmillan, McMaster University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-13-2018

Journal

Prevention Science

Volume

19

Issue

3

First Page

319

Last Page

327

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1007/s11121-015-0564-9

Abstract

There is widespread recognition across the full range of applied research disciplines, including health and social services, about the challenges of integrating scientifically derived research evidence into policy and/or practice decisions. These Bdisconnects” or Bknowledge-practice gaps” between research production and use have spawned a new research field, most commonly known as either Bimplementation science” or Bknowledge translation.” The present paper will review key concepts in this area, with a particular focus on Bintegrated knowledge translation” (IKT)—which focuses on researcher-knowledge user partner-ship—in the area of mental health and prevention of violence against women and children using case examples from completed and ongoing work. A key distinction is made between the practice of KT (disseminating, communicating, etc.), and the science of KT, i.e., research regarding effective KT approaches. We conclude with a discussion of the relevance of IKT for mental health intervention research with children and adolescents.