5. What is knowledge translation research?
The science of knowledge translation research is still in its infancy, and there are many gaps in the evidence base. Knowledge translation research includes work to explore
measurement of gaps in decision making; improve knowledge synthesis and distillation (such as determinants of when systematic reviews and guidelines should be updated or how
to enhance implementability of guidelines); enhance diagnosis and measurement of determinants of knowledge uptake; and determine effectiveness and sustainability of different
knowledge translation approaches. In the development of a national research strategy to enhance knowledge translation capacity, we identified four core competencies for knowledge
translation researchers, including understanding of the models of knowledge translation and knowledge translation research; capacity to conduct systematic reviews to address knowledge translation questions(such as realist reviews);capacity in qualitative methods to examine factors that influence use of evidence (such as document analysis); and capacity to evaluate the impact, effectiveness, and sustainability of knowledge translation strategies (including cost
effectiveness) in different settings