Grant: Knowledge Synthesis Grant - Priority Announcement: Knowledge Translation

Up until now, there has been little discussion of the importance of replication in knowledge translation (KT) that could further contribute to the quality of research results essential for the improvement of health care services provided to Canadians. The purpose of this knowledge synthesis is to develop a framework for promoting and conducting informative replication of KT evaluative studies. This framework will be developed in collaboration with a diverse group of knowledge users: KT researchers, policy makers, funding agency representatives and journal editors. The specific objectives of this review are: 1) to clarify the concept replication, 2) to identify the consequences of and the conditions for its use, 3) to examine the extent and types of replication used in KT research and 4) to make recommendations for appropriate replication in KT research. Since this synthesis involves synthesizing evidence from heterogenous sources and research traditions, it will be guided by the principles of concept analysis and meta-narrative review. Concept analysis is a formal exercise that permits definition of concept attributes and critical elements and meta-narrative review is an interpretive method proposed to synthesize literature from a complex body of evidence. Investigators and knowledge users on this proposal will collaborate on refining the research questions, developing data collection tools and interpretation of findings. At the end of grant, a consensus workshop will bring together national and international stakeholders to elaborate recommendations and devise a framework for replication in KT responsive to the needs and preferences of the various stakeholder groups