Knowledge translation and its application to refractory symptom and palliative sedation therapy guidelines

Abstract

Knowledge translation (KT) is being used to apply evidence-based knowledge and research to clinical practice in health care. The goal of KT approaches is to inform the provision of high quality and competent care to patients and families. This project describes and critiques a KT framework (knowledge-to-action cycle) for implementing Refractory Symptom and Palliative Sedation Therapy Guidelines (RS and PST) developed by clinicians at Fraser Health Authority. The writer focuses on the education interventions in the ‘knowledge-to-action’ framework. In addition, the action cycle is complemented with the ‘awareness-to-adherence model’ in order to create educational strategies for implementing the RS and PST practice guidelines. Ideally, successful guideline implementation will promote competencies of clinicians and the proper application of research into clinical practice.