1. Introduction
Globally, health care systems are experiencing the challenges of improving the quality of care and decreasing the risk of adverse events. Health systems fail to optimally use evidence with resulting in efficiencies and reduced quantity and quality of life. For example, McGlynnet al. found that US adults received less than 55% of recommended care. Simply providing evidence from clinical research (such as through publication in journals or presentation at scientific meetings) is necessary but not sufficient for the provision of optimal care or decision making. The science and practice of knowledge translation is needed to answer these challenges. The growing emphasis on knowledge translation (and recognition that our knowledge about how to achieve knowledge translation is incomplete) has led to the establishment of an interdisciplinary field of research. Knowledge translation research and
enhanced capacity in this field are essential if we are to reap the benefits of health research, improve health and quality of life, and enhance productivity. This article provides an
overview of the topic and serves as an introduction to a series of articles on the science of knowledge translation that will appear in this journal.