Bridging KT Connections: Using the social drivers of knowledge translation (KT) to improve health care service delivery

In health care, knowledge translation (KT) is the process of moving knowledge into action to improve health systems, health services and health outcomes. KT is a social process that connects people to knowledge and supports. My area of expertise, implementation science, examines the factors that influence the use of knowledge from research and lived experience. My research program focuses on the importance of connections between people and organizations that can support KT. I use theories and evidence to design strategies to improve the use of best practices by health care providers, leaders and patients. I apply this research in health care centres, research institutes, community organizations, government, rehabilitation, and other settings. Our team is identifying and then testing a range of socially based strategies to strengthen connections between researchers, health care providers and families that can help move knowledge into action. This work will confirm the best approaches to use in different health care and research settings to improve care. The impact of this research will be to improve access to the safest, most effective health care for children and their families.