"These Documents Are Only as Good as the People Who Read and Use Them": A Phased Evaluation of Knowledge Translation Practices in Virtual Health.

Abstract

When healthcare research evidence is not used in practice, this can lead to reduced quality of life for patients and inefficient resource allocation for services. Knowledge translation (KT) aims to bridge this gap by ensuring research reaches the right users at the right time. This study focuses on evaluating KT products and dissemination strategies within the Fraser Health Authorities Virtual Health Department to improve the uptake and sustainability of evidence-informed decision-making. This study was conducted in 3 phases: (1) a rapid review to identify KT strategies relevant to the Virtual Health Department, (2) a survey to evaluate preferences among the Virtual Health Department, and (3) qualitative interviews to gather insights on the use and improvement of KT products. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey data, and thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts. The rapid review identified 37 relevant KT strategies. Survey results indicated a preference for practical and visually appealing KT products such as checklists, infographics, and how-to guides. Qualitative interviews highlighted barriers such as capacity constraints and content overload, but also successes in building confidence and improving work practices. Effective KT strategies are essential for integrating research into practice. The study's findings suggest that tailored, user-friendly KT products and ongoing engagement with end-users can enhance the uptake of research evidence. Future efforts should focus on embedding KT activities into organizational workflows and improving the accessibility of KT products.