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5.5 Knowledge Translation and Mobilization

Knowledge Translation and Mobilization

“Knowledge translation (KT) is defined as a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products, and strengthen the health care system” (CHIR, 2010, para. 4).

Download the Government of Canada Knowledge Translation Planner.

“Knowledge mobilization (KM) is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of activities relating to the production and use of research results, including knowledge synthesis, dissemination, transfer, exchange, and co-creation or co-production by researchers and knowledge users” (SSHRC, 2023, para 4.).

Examples of KM outputs include, but are not limited to:

  • Toolkits
  • Websites
  • Policy briefs
  • Journal articles
  • Videos
While both concepts aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, knowledge translation is more focused on the application of research in specific fields like healthcare, whereas knowledge mobilization emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive approach across various disciplines.
Research Impact Canada (RIC) has created an excellent online learning resource, KMb101: Introduction to Knowledge Mobilization. This is a free short course containing 8 modules and numerous useful resources. Have a brief look and file this away for when you next need to plan for knowledge mobilization. RIC also has an excellent learning module on Infographic Design for Knowledge Mobilization.

Examples of Knowledge Translation and Mobilization in Nursing and Genomics

Examples of knowledge mobilization in genomics for nurses include these excellent resources which will enhance your practice. Bookmark or save these for future reference. It is not required to read these in detail now though readers may wish to explore them in brief.

Online Resources

  1. The Genetics and Genomics Toolkit for Canadian Nurses: A resource developed to enhance the genomic literacy of Canadian nurses, providing essential knowledge and tools for integrating genomics into nursing practice.
  2. Canadian Nurses and Genomics: An initiative aimed at supporting Canadian nurses in developing genomic literacy and integrating genomics into their practice to improve patient care and health outcomes.
  3. Linkage: an online knowledge engagement hub which includes educational content about foundational genomic concepts in the context of nursing practice. There are opportunities for nurses to learn about how health, genes, and nursing care are connected.
  4. Oncology Nursing Society Genetics and Genomics: A professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in oncology nursing through education, research, and advocacy, supporting over 35,000 members in providing high-quality cancer care.
  5. Many of the NGHRI resources for nurses in genomics are the result of knowledge mobilization from nurse scientists. The Talking Glossary that definitions are drawn from at the start of each unit in this book is one example. The Method for Introducing a New Competency (MINC) is a toolkit for healthcare professional that is the output of an implementation study.

Policies Examples

These have already been introduced but the competency documents for nurses working with genomics are examples of evidence-based policies developed by nurses.

Journal Articles Featuring Nursing Genomics Knowledge Mobilization

This paper discusses how the new regulatory model for nurse practitioners in Canada can be optimized to better integrate genomics into healthcare, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of this integration:

Acorn, M., Chiu, P., Limoges, J., & Gretchev, A. (2024). Optimizing the new model of nurse practitioner regulation in Canada to support the integration of genomics. Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership, 37(2), 49-56. https://doi.org/10.12927/cjnl.2024.27468

This case study explores the collaborative efforts across Canada to advance nursing practices through genomics, emphasizing the importance of nationwide cooperation and shared learning to enhance healthcare outcomes:

Chiu, P., Gretchev, A., Limoges, J., Puddester, R., Carlsson, L., Pike, A., Leslie, K., Dordunoo, D. (2024). Fostering pan-Canadian collaboration to advance new nursing practice: A case study from the genomics experience. Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership, 37(2), 41.48. https://doi.org/10.12927/cjnl.2024.27470

Genomics Medicine Professional Organizations

There are several organizations that foster collaboration, networking, research, policy development, and professional development for nurses working in genomics. Many of these organizations are interdisciplinary. Many of these organizations offer discounts or free membership for students. These are another excellent avenue for knowledge translation and mobilization.

Nursing Specific

  • ISONG – International Society of Nurses in Genetics
  • G2NA – Global Genomics Nursing Alliance
  • CANO – Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology – has a special interest group for genomics oncology nursing

Interdisciplinary

  • DOHAD – International and local chapters
  • ACMG – American College of Medical Genetics
  • ASHG – American Society of Human Genetics

Attribution & References

Except where otherwise noted, this section is written by Andrea Gretchev, CC BY-NC 4.0

References

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CHIR). (2010). About us: Knowledge translation. https://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/29418.html

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). (2023, November 24). Guidelines for effective knowledge mobilization. https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/policies-politiques/knowledge_mobilisation-mobilisation_des_connaissances-eng.aspx#a1

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Precision Healthcare: Genomics-Informed Nursing Copyright © 2025 by Andrea Gretchev, RN, MN, CCNE is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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