KTE: Ensuring health research leads to best medical outcomes

Participants at a recent conference were asked whether they thought that health care should be based on current, high quality research evidence. The response was overwhelmingly positive and it would be ideal if this were the case. In reality, however, it takes an average of 10 to 20 years for new basic research to be incorporated into improved patient care (1). The Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) defines this difference between usual care, and ideal care (based on most recent health research) as the Knowledge to Action (KTA) gap (2). For our purposes, let’s call this the health care gap.

As patients, we ask why it takes so long for the knowledge gained through research to be applied to health care decision-making and optimal health care. What is being done to reduce this gap and how can we help?

Knowledge Translation (KT) aims to reduce, and ultimately close, the health care gap by improving information sharing between the creators of new knowledge (researchers) and the individuals/groups who apply and benefit from this knowledge (patients, health care professionals, policy makers, other researchers). These groups are referred to as end-users. KT is part of the solution for informed health care decision-making and improved health care outcomes for Canadians.

Let’s look at what the CIHR - Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) is doing to build KT capacity to reduce the health care gap. IMHA is the main source of funding for Canadian health research in six focus areas: arthritis, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, bone, skeletal muscle, skin and oral health. With Physical Activity and Mobility Across the Lifespan a key strategic priority, IMHA also supports research in pain, disability, chronic disease, and tissue injury, repair and replacement.

In 2004, IMHA established a Knowledge Exchange Task Force (KETF) to bring together researchers and end users to determine the best way to share research knowledge. The KETF also provides a vehicle for end user groups (including patients) to help IMHA determine which research priorities are most relevant to our problems and concerns.

In addition to completing our strategic plan that will align with IMHA and CIHR, the task force is working on several initiatives related primarily to arthritis, bone and joint health. A small working group is developing methods to share research priorities identified in a recent Fibromyalgia (FM) and Exercise (Cochrane) Review with wider (national/international) research communities. We hope this will inform future research, and build our understanding of the best ways for persons with FM to achieve better health and quality of life through exercise. One of our members is on the Patient Advocacy and KT Committee for the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group working to unlock the mysteries of this rheumatic condition. Other KETF members are contributing to training sessions for research students to help them understand the importance of KT and the role for patients/consumers in this process. Task Force members are also involved in refining IMHA strategic priority areas to best meet the needs of Canadians and finally members are planning for a bone health consensus conference.

For more KETF news, look for future editions of CAPA Voices, or visit our website at http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/13217.html (follow links to Knowledge Translation and the KETF).

References

1. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Translating Research into Practice (TRIP)-II. Washington, DC: Agency for Health Research and Quality 2001. Accessed on the internet at http://www.ahrq.gov/research/trip2fac.htm on February 23, 2007.

2. Graham, I.D., Logan J., Harrison, M., Straus, S., Tetroe, M., Caswell, W. and Robinson, N. Lost in Translation: Time for a Map? Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions. 2006; 26: 13-24.