@bonniezink#KMb #KTe #KMbChat

http://bonniezink.com

Knowledge Mobilization 101

SAYCW May 26, 2015

What is knowledge translation?Canadian Institutes for Health Research

“...dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.”

● More about Knowledge Translation at CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research website; May 22, 2015)

What is knowledge transfer and exchange?Heart and Stroke Foundation

Knowledge transfer and exchange is the dynamic, collaborative process of creating, sharing, and acting upon research and other knowledge to improve health.

● Knowledge Transfer and Exchange in Research: A Guide for Applicants and Reviewers (Heart and Stroke Foundation; February 2014)

What is knowledge mobilization?

● Knowledge Mobilization supports progress from research to impact. David Phipps presentation to KM in the AM (Saskatoon); May 21, 2015.

Why does knowledge mobilization matter? ● *Knowledge mobilization is the process of

connecting researchers, decision makers, and community partners so that they can work together to ensure that research informs decisions about public policy and professional practice

● Researchers focus on the the relevance of research, which may improve outcomes

● Decision makers have access to knowledge so that they can put it to use

● Community partners are part of the creation of the knowledge that they can use to solve prevailing issues in the community

*What is knowledge mobilisation and why does it matter to universities? David Phipps. The Guardian - Higher Education Network Blog (March 9, 2012)

Barriers to mobilizing knowledgeResearchers:● lack time to develop relationships;

may not be encouraged to do KMb● find KMb requires different skills

than research● find their efforts hampered by

restructuring, personnel changes in decision maker organizations

● need time to get research results, which may be too slow for decision makers

Decision makers:● have trouble finding, understanding

researchers● don’t understand research process● may not have access to or skills to

evaluate research evidence ● may find research evidence

overwhelming● make decisions based on a lot of

information, of which research is only one part

*“Researchers search for truth, by using a rational model.”

*Choi B et al. Can scientists and policy makers work together? Journal of Epidemiology and community Health. 59, 2005.

*“Policy makers search for compromise, by using an intuitive model.”

Overcoming barriers to KMb● Get researchers, decision makers

together early in the research process● Build collaborative, cross-disciplinary

teams● Encourage institutions, funders to

encourage, reward knowledge transfer efforts

● Use a blend of modern and traditional tools to connect researchers, decision makers

● Disseminate information in non-academic formats: fact sheets, websites, community forums, plays, videos

Knowledge Translation: Lessons learned in SPHERU’s Healthy Children Research Program. Fleur Macqueen Smith, Professional knowledge mobilzation specialist. (November 7, 2014)

Deliver the right message at the right time to the right audience ● Message: What do you say?● Audience: Who do you say it to?● Messenger: Who should create

and deliver the message?● Process: How will the message

be delivered (tools)?● Evaluation: What determines

success? What will you measure? When will you measure it?

Put your knowledge into action!Digital tools and methods

● Social Media○ Host a TweetChat: #KMbChat

● ePublications○ Share progress reports, achievements,

events through eNewsletter: KMbUpdates● Video

○ Record lectures, conduct interviews, deliver important messages: kidSKAN YouTube Channel

● Webinars○ Deliver findings and key messages: KT

Canada Seminar Series● Music Video

○ Share your findings through a music video: From Stilettos to Moccasins portrays the healing experiences of Aboriginal women who have struggled with drug abuse and addiction

From the work of Colleen Dell, Research Chair in Substance Abuse, at the University of Saskatchewan. Find out more about this work.

Put your knowledge into action!Traditional tools and methods

● Printed reports and documents○ Make your work accessible and

understandable: Reader Friendly Writing 1:3:25

● Plain language○ Deliver your message in the language

appropriate to your audience: Plain Language Wizardy: Cheryl Stephens works to “make it clear.” Her recent book, Plain Language in Plain English, is an excellent resource to add to your reference library.

● Storytelling○ Engage your audience and deliver

messages that stick: Digital Storytelling (website with resources)

● Hire a professional○ Ensure your documents and digital graphics

are received well and remembered

From the April 2015 KM in the AM (Saskatoon) meeting, a community of practice for KMb professionals in Saskatoon.

Put your knowledge into action!Face-to-Face tools and methods

● Importance of relationships○ Knowledge travels via relationships:

Knowledge Translation Challenges and Solutions Described by Researchers by Elizabeth Shantz, Knowledge Mobilization Officer for the Canadian Water Network (2012)

● Maintaining relationships○ Plan for knowledge management:

Knowledge Management Tools● Regular in person meetings

○ Keep people engaged with each other by clarifying your purpose: Know your Context

● Host events○ Host regular events that inform and engage

participants: KM in the AM (Saskatoon)

From the April 2015 KM in the AM (Saskatoon) meeting, a community of practice for KMb professionals in Saskatoon.

Create a plan

Useful planning guides:

● Knowledge Translation Planning Template, by Melanie Barwick, PhD, The Hospital for Sick Children

● KT Planning Primer, Public Health Agency of Canada

● KTe and KMb Resources on http://BonnieZink.com

It is your turn!

● Be creative● Think about your

audiences● What can you do to

make your message stick?

Questions?

Bonnie Zink, Independent Knowledge Mobilizer and Social Media Strategist

Phone: 306-262-5651Email: bonnie@bonniezink.comWeb: http:bonniezink.comTwitter: @bonniezink, @KMbChat, @KMintheAMyxe