Eileen Vilis (Canadian Cochrane Centre); Jayne Thirsk (Dietitians of Canada); Chett Bradley (Canadian Physiotherapy Association); Nancy Santesso (McMaster University); Cheryl Arratoon (Canadian Cochrane Centre); Jeremy Grimshaw (Senior Scientist, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute)

Purpose

There continues to be concern from knowledge producers and knowledge users as to how to effectively connect research to clinical practice. Cochrane Canada has collaborated with health care provider organisations to develop and disseminate tailored online educational programs that help to bridge the gap.

Methods

In two separate projects, Cochrane Canada has worked with the Dietitians of Canada and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. The overall objective in both projects was to foster a relationship between researchers and health care practitioners. One project involved recruiting and training peer reviewers from the organsiation’s membership; the other one consisted of two series of practically based webinars for members dealing with basic to advanced issues. Similarities between the two projects included recruiting stakeholders; discussing expectations in advance; developing an educational program with tailored content; implementing the programs with consideration for individual and group needs

Results

Based on feedback from participants, the active partnerships have improved the confidence and skill level of participants. They are able to better recognize and appraise relevant evidence to answer clinical questions.

Applications and Future Directions

Closing the gap between research and practice can be achieved through an active and engaged collaboration of researchers and health care providers. These two models to produce tailored educational content that applies relevant research to practice can be adapted to suit partnerships between other healthcare disciplines and researchers.

Funding Source

Canadian Institutes of Health Research