Knowledge Translation and contemporary challenges in the health field: a scope review

ABSTRACT

The implementation of the best scientific evidence in health services has not yet occurred in a satisfactory way. Faced with this problem, the objective of this study was to investigate today’s challenges of Knowledge Translation in the health field. The methodology of this review was developed according to the requirements of the scope review. Therefore, the keywords ‘translational medical research’ and ‘knowledge translation’ were consulted in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science journals. Studies published from 2008 to April 2018 were included. Among the 1,677 studies found, 839 articles were duplicated and 818 did not fully meet the objective of this review, therefore, 20 studies were submitted to review and critical appraisal. According to the analysis of the studies, the challenge of Knowledge Translation comes from two factors: on the one hand, the lack of cohesion between the scientific community and health decision makers and, on the other hand, the inability of professionals to translate and apply new knowledge, in addition to the lack of support and incentives from health institutions. Furthermore, this review addresses a significant body of several other aspects that limit and/or hinder the translation of knowledge in the health field.

KEYWORDS
Translational medical research; Health services; Health personnel; Evidence-based practice