Defining Integrated Knowledge Translation and Moving Forward: A Response to Recent Commentaries

ntegrated knowledge translation (IKT) is a model of collaborative research, where researchers work with knowledge users who identify a problem and have the authority to implement the research recommendations.Knowledge users have unique expertise pertaining to the research topic, including knowledge of the context and the potential for implementation.Researchers bring methodological and content expertise to the collaboration.Implicit in this approach is the sharing of power between researchers and knowledge users.Sometimes referred to as the co-production of knowledge, this new way of working suggests that the synergies derived from the collaboration will result in better science; more relevant and actionable research findings; increased use of the findings in policy or practice; and mutual learning.An evaluation of knowledge translation funding programs at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research demonstrated that researchers and knowledge users co-producing research were more likely to report improving the health of Canadians, creating more effective health services or products and strengthening the Canadian healthcare system than researchers who do not work with knowledge users. 1 Interest in IKT as a strategy for accelerating the uptake and impact of research is growing as demonstrated by the recent publication of articles and commentaries in this and other journals.[2][3][4][5] Rycroft-Malone et al 6 note that, while promising, the IKT approach is not without its challenges.The authors highlight issues of power, politics, and perceptions that require careful attention if an IKT approach is to be successful.Collaborations, they argue, require prompting and support.The authors also suggest that certain personable qualities, such as being tolerant of less structure whilst maintaining methodological standards, are required of individuals participating in IKT partnerships.A related commentary was offered by Cooke et al 7 in which they address the issue of power.In particular, these authors argue that the co-members