Grant: Network Catalyst - Knowledge Translation

The care of critically ill patients is a core function of hospitals. Critically ill patients are typically treated in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and have high rates of mortality and prolonged disability. In addition, ICU care is a limited and expensive resource. The implementation of research findings into practice may improve the outcomes of critically ill patients. However, there are excessive delays between the conduct of research and the implementation of its results into bedside care. This is particularly problematic in critical care where practice is changing rapidly and where large amounts of practice changing research are being constantly generated. It is has been estimated that the best way to improve the outcome of the critically ill is not through the conduct of new research but rather by the implementation of currently known research evidence. The Critical Care Knowledge Translation Network seeks to address this by bringing together researchers, health care administrators and experts in implementing new knowledge into bedside practice in a Canada wide network. The aim of the network will be to increase the adoption of research evidence in order to improve the outcomes and reduce the health care costs of treating critically ill patients. It will do this by collating all relevant research into accessible formats and then using known strategies to increase the adoption of this research into practice. The network will conduct periodic audits of practice to determine where the largest evidence to practice gaps occur and to determine the impact of its implementation efforts. The areas of practice with the largest gaps will be targeted for network efforts. The network will run for three years with the initial funding received but further funding will be sought such that it can be continued thereafter.