Translating evidence-based knowledge objects into practice

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

This paper aims to show how organizational translation theories and models may supplement implementation science with a new process perspective on how
knowledge objects such as Cochrane reviews, clinical guidelines and reference
programs are implemented in practice in healthcare organizations. They build
on Bruno Latour’s idea about translation that states that the spread in time and
space of anything—including knowledge objects—is in the hands of people and
that each of these people may act in many different ways, letting the token
drop, modifying it, deflecting it, betraying it, adding to it, or appropriating it.
Implementation science theories, models and frameworks often try to identify
general aspects of processes and variables that influence implementation
processes. In contrast, translation theories and models build on a process view
that uses the sequence of events, activities and choices by translators situated in
time as well as in space to explain how outcomes of translation/implementation
processes came about. The paper develops some implementation relevant
propositions about translation of knowledge objects in healthcare organizations
that may inform further research. Moreover, it discusses how organizational
translation studies and implementation science may supplement each other.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1107096
JournalFrontiers in Health Services
Volume3
Pages (from-to)1-17
Number of pages17
ISSN2813-0146
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Sept 2023

Keywords

  • translation
  • knowledge translation
  • organizational translation
  • implementation
  • Cochrane review
  • clinical guideline
  • translation theories
  • translation models

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