From Science to Service: A Framework for the Transfer of Patient Safety Research into Practice

• Main Authors: Nieva, Veronica F, Murphy, Robert, Ridley, Nancy, Donaldson, Nancy, Combes, John, Mitchell, Pamela, Kovner, Christine, Hoy, Elizabeth, Carpenter, Deborah
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration and Management; CLINICAL MEDICINE; DIFFUSION; ERROR PREVENTION; ERROR REDUCTION; ERRORS; INTERVENTION; KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION; KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT; KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER; LEADERSHIP; MEDICAL ERRORS; MEDICAL RESEARCH; MEDICAL SERVICES; Medicine and Medical Research; ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE; ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION; PATIENT SAFETY RESEARCH; PATIENTS; POLICIES; PREVENTION; PUBLIC SAFETY; RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION; RESEARCH TO PRACTICE; RESEARCH UTILIZATION; SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH; STRATEGY; TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT; TRANSFER; USER NEEDS

A conceptual framework was developed to help maximize and accelerate the transfer of research results from AHRQ's patient safety research portfolio to health care delivery. The framework can be used by the patient safety portfolio as well as individual researchers to develop plans, tools, and strategies for moving research into practice. The framework presents three major stages in moving research findings toward utilization. The first stage is Knowledge creation and distillation. New knowledge generated by the AHRQ research portfolio covers a broad array of topics and differs in the extent to which specific findings are ready for translation into practice. The knowledge produced needs to be evaluated, synthesized, and prioritized for translation efforts. The second stage is Diffusion and dissemination. The framework posits the importance of developing partnerships with knowledge brokers and connector organizations to effectively reach a variety of end users in two ways: mass diffusion and targeted dissemination. The goal of mass diffusion is providing information and raising general awareness, while the goal of targeted dissemination is persuading and motivating potential knowledge users into action. The third stage is End user adoption, implementation, and institutionalization. To transition from abstract knowledge to concrete use, research findings must be translated into intervention packages that include guidelines, information materials, training, and other implementation aids. The end users must have a change leader and team. General intervention tools need to be adaptable to local needs and go through several iterations to ensure a fit between the conceptual intervention and the organizational context. As the intervention gains acceptance and feasibility within the organization, it is institutionalized in official policies and procedures. Published in Advances in Patient Safety: From Research to Implementation, v2 p441-453, AHRQ Publication Nos. 050021 (1-4), Feb 2005.