How the Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network Links Research to Knowledge Users

1. How the Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network Links Research to Knowledge Users Sarah Kehoe, Research Assistant Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network Sarah.Kehoe@cdha.nshealth.ca

2. OUTLINE Introduction to the Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network CDKTN structure What CDKTN delivers How CDKTN links research to knowledge users Closing remarks Acknowledgements Questions

3. Translation, Transfer & Brokering

5. Education and Training in Knowledge Translation • Environmental scan to identify current best practices in KT&E training in academic settings • Standardized curricula and training programs in KT&E • Training opportunities for researchers that will cross themes, disciplines and levels of expertise • Pilot research projects related to training in KT&E • Funding opportunities for students to develop KT strategies

6. Canadian Dementia Resource and Knowledge Exchange (CDRAKE) • Development of a national KE network – Canadian Dementia Resource and Knowledge Exchange (CDRAKE) • Environmental scan of existing KE networks, best practices, strategies • KT&E conferences / workshops • Research and KT&E partnerships between all key stakeholders • Pilot research projects related to KE • Electronic repository of information, resources, innovations

7. Patient/Caregiver Centred Knowledge Translation • Identification of research priorities based on the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners • New person-centred and relationship based models and approaches for KT • Clinically and socially relevant and person-centred KT research projects • A database for researchers of the experience of dementia from perspectives of those living with dementia

8. How CDKTN connects KT research to users Diffusion Dissemination Implementation (Application) Lomas J Ann NY Acad Sci. 1993, 703:226-37

9. 1. Diffusion Let it happen ~ Passive information sharing Examples: Publishing a paper in an academic journal, going to a conference with a poster or posting information on a website.

10. Diffusion ~ Conference Exhibits

11. Diffusion ~ CDKTN www.lifeandminds.ca

12. CDKTN’s Research Members Intranet http://intranet.cdktn.ca

13. Research Members Intranet Cont’d

14. 2. Dissemination • You target and tailor what you are communicating to the specific audience you are trying to reach. • Help it happen ~ This approach can be more or less active • Less active: You have completed research and you translate the results into brochures, videos etc. for the public. • More active: tailoring a small workshop to disseminate results, get feedback etc.

15. Dissemination ~ Dementia Knowledge Broker A platform to find and share knowledge and resources, in order to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. http://www.dementiaknowledgebroker.ca

16. 3. Implementation Make it happen ~ engages knowledge users The most active of all three, implementation “…involves systematic efforts to encourage adoption of the research findings by overcoming barriers to their use.” Gagnon, ML. J of Clin Epi 64 (2011) 25-31

17. Implementation ~ CDKTN Research and Education RFAs Since November 2008, CDKTN has had 5 major funding competitions, all funded in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The competition encourages researchers to include knowledge translation activities in their projects. The outcomes of this research are made available for immediate use.

18. Implementation ~ • Development, Evaluation and Dissemination of a Bilingual Workshop for Dementia Care Providers Entitled: “Frailty, Dementia and Disasters: What Health Care Providers Need to Know” – Maggie Gibson, PhD

19. When Dementia is in the House – Tiffany Chow, PhD When Dementia is in the Housewas developed to educate caregiving for children living with someone who has dementia, with a focus on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). 

20. In closing “There remains much to be learned about how we can increase the application of research knowledge, whether it's the commercialization of scientific discoveries or changes to current health care practices and policies. However, what is certain is that as a society we will not reap the full benefits of our investments in health research unless the resulting discoveries are acted upon by other researchers, policy-makers, health care providers, patients, the public, and by the private, voluntary, and public health sectors.” CIHR http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/38764.html

21. Acknowledgements • Funding sources: • CIHR Institute of Aging • CIHR Knowledge Translation Branch • CIHR Institute of Gender and Health • CIHR Institute of Neurosciences • CIHR Ethics Office • Alzheimer Society of Canada • AstraZeneca Canada Inc. • Pfizer Inc • Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care • Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation • Fountain Innovation Fund • QEII Health Sciences Foundation • Principle Investigator: • Prof. K. Rockwood, MD • Division of Geriatric Medicine, Dalhousie University • Co-Founders: • Prof. H. Chertkow, MD • Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University • Prof. K. Le Clair, MD • Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Queen’s University • Prof. J. Keefe, PhD • Canada Research Chair in Aging and Care Giving Policy • Mount Saint Vincent University • Prof. H. Feldman, MD • Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia

22. Thank You! Questions? For further information on CDKTN… www.lifeandminds.ca & To join the network and become connected, email: info@cdktn.ca