Lost in Knowledge Translation:

Knowledge translation: A concept analysis

AIM

The aim of this article is to clarify the concept of knowledge translation (KT) to close the gap that exists between research knowledge and actionable nursing practice.

BACKGROUND

KT addresses the research to practice gap that exists in healthcare. KT is often confused with other terms and needs to be defined further as a concept for clarification and application in nursing practice.

DESIGN

Concept analysis using the Walker and Avant method.

DATA SOURCES

Databases searched were OVID, CINAHL, ProQuest, Mendeley, Western Libraries, and Google Scholar. Keywords used were "knowledge translation", "knowledge", "translation", "evidence-based practice", "research dissemination". Abstracts were reviewed for relevance, and 27 articles available in full-text and in English from 2000 to 2018 were retained. Online dictionaries included Merriam-Webster. The ancestry method was also used to retrieve relevant articles.

RESULTS

KT is one of many terms used to describe the concept of moving research to actionable practice in healthcare. Six attributes of KT were identified: collaboration, action, receptivity, process, translation, and improved healthcare outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses are responsible to provide the best care to their patients, and effectively using KT in nursing practice can ensure better outcomes for patients.