EPN

MAERGD4100 Knowledge Translation Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Kunnskapstranslasjon
Study programme
Masterstudium i ergoterapi
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2018/2019
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Making society more knowledge based is conveyed through a number of official documents. It has often been about increasing access to research-based knowledge in order for the decision makers to base their work more on evidence. In the health services, this tradition is called Evidence-based Practice (EBP), in Norwegian Kunnskapsbasert praksis (KBP). Internationally, the field is known under the umbrella term Knowledge Translation (KT) and offers an alternative strategy to EBP. It is known under various names within different traditions and academic fields.

Knowledge Translation looks at how knowledge garnered from research can be made more applicable through different forms of 'translation strategies'. Hence, the attention has increasingly been drawn towards the quality of research and how it is translated and implemented - not only the decision makers' ability to find, evaluate and apply research. The research results can, in other words, be hard to access, not 'translated' well enough, or not well enough adapted and implemented to local contexts to be applied to society. Knowledge translation is about an effort to meet these challenges.

The course will cover a number of different strategies and interventions concerning what can be done to apply research in an easier way. This could be situations where we increase society's general insight into what research has demonstrated when decisions have been made in society, or when services or methods are developed, further developed or implemented. Put in another way: how should we proceed to reduce the gap between 'what research tells us' and 'what we actually do'? Whether in the short or long run, the main goal of all research is to improve society. This can only happen when we close this gap.

We talk about two types of translation within the field of Knowledge Translation. In the so-called 'End-of-Grant KT', the translation of the research starts after the research results are ready and the research project is complete. 'Integrated KT' has become increasingly prevalent and requires that those who use the research also take part when that research is developed and when it is translated, implemented and integrated into new contexts. This is in line with the increased attention on user participation in research and coproduction of knowledge. Knowledge translation is therefore about mutual cooperation between society and research over time. This cooperation consists of different contributions and different forms of knowledge, but the shared common goal is to improve the basis for decision-making with a view to creating a better society. These are key perspectives of the course.

The course is developed through a collaboration with the network organisation 'Presenter - Making Sense of Science'.

Required preliminary courses

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

Prerequisite knowledge for applicants to individual courses

A bachelor's degree in health or social work, social sciences, teaching-related subjects, media studies, journalism or communications subjects.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has in-depth knowledge of what knowledge translation is, including the history of the field, definitions, theories, models and methods

  • has knowledge about traditional evidence-based practice and implementation science, and how these relate to knowledge translation

  • can provide main features relating to the knowledge base for decision-making in society and have an understanding of what can prevent research from being applied.

Skills

The student is capable of

  • analysing and applying definitions, theories, models and methods within the field of knowledge translation in order to bring society into the research, as well as using research in decision-making processes and innovation processes in society

  • critically evaluating and discussing research-based knowledge, its possibilities, limitations and relevant areas of use

  • making research-based knowledge more accessible to society through research dissemination and research communication

Competence

The student

  • has in-depth knowledge about and understanding of the relationship between research and society

  • can discuss issues that arise at the intersection between research and society

Content

The course is taught over ten weeks and consists of six thematically limited parts, which build on each other:

  • Part 1: KT terminology - Terms which define the relationship between research and society

  • Part two: KT theories - Theories which explain the space for possibilities between research and society

  • Part three: KT strategies I - Translation: Research communication, research dialogue and research dissemination

  • Part four: KT strategies II - Translation: Research-based development and innovation

  • Part five: KT interventions - Translation: Implementation of research-based knowledge

  • Part six: KT criticism - Challenges, dilemmas and possibilities between research and society

Teaching and learning methods

The course is generally web-based, including video lectures, internet resources and multiple choice tests (quiz). The course also has a separate Facebook group where the year group can interact, and Q&A guidance is provided.

One physical gathering is organised over two days at the university, where lectures and workshops will take place.

The students will complete an independent work by planning a knowledge translation project relevant to their own practice, including an assignment where each of the six themes (see description above) are reworked into one exam paper. Supervision will be given on the assignment.

Assessment

Assessment content: The learning outcomes

Form of assessment: Home exam: individual written assignment, up to 4.000 words, excluding references.

Time: Work on the assignment will take place throughout the course.

Resit exam: The student submits a reworked version of the paper.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids are permitted.

Grading scale

Pass/fail

Examiners

One external and one internal examiner will assess the papers.