Achieving research impact lies at the heart of our ability to improve children’s health and wellbeing. But we know that most health research fails to influence practice or policy – or takes more than a decade to do so.

This project developed and is currently implementing a framework to better support the translation of knowledge into practice and policy, and enhance the impact of research undertaken at Melbourne Children’s¹.

The framework

We reviewed the literature, surveyed campus staff and interviewed campus leaders and knowledge translation experts. This research revealed key organisational enablers and facilitators of knowledge translation and research impact. Our framework incorporates these, and maps the pathway to impact. *Select the image to enlarge.

(Impact categories adapted from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, 2009).

Advancing knowledge translation and research impact

The second stage of the project is now underway. Over the next three years we will:

• implement and evaluate the framework with three research teams
• deliver training for staff
• develop a suite of resources to build capability in knowledge translation and research impact
• track and report on our progress.

Good knowledge translation can transform research into prevention, early intervention, better treatment, informed policy and practice, and improved health and wellbeing. It’s at the heart of what we do at Melbourne Children’s.

Publications

Final report: A framework for action

This report provides an overview of the project, describes the framework and makes recommendations for enhancing knowledge translation and research impact at Melbourne Children’s.

Discussion paper

An overview of the evidence, and best practice approaches in health and medical research translation and impact measurement.

Consultation report

Findings from consultations with key stakeholders regarding their perceptions of knowledge translation and research impact at Melbourne Children’s.

Environmental scan

An overview of the research policy and funding landscape, and implications for knowledge translation and research impact at Melbourne Children’s.

Contact

Vikki Leone or Ken Knight if you would like more information.

1. Melbourne Children’s is the collaboration between The Royal Children’s Hospital, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the University of Melbourne’s Department of Paediatrics and The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.