The healthcare industry constantly evolves. Technology-Enabled Knowledge Translation (TEKT) has emerged as a promising solution to enhance public health services in recent years. TEKT involves using digital strategies to improve evidence access and simplify public health decision-making (Brown et al., 2020). TEKT is a digital paradigm shift that leverages technology to enhance research literacy and improve access to evidence-based decision-making capabilities. The primary goals of TEKT are to empower policymakers and to gauge the health outcomes resulting from the utilization of research findings. TEKT strategies range from social media to webinars, websites, and emails. These digital solutions are designed to improve knowledge among public health professionals and promote evidence-based decision-making (Brown et al., 2020).
A comprehensive review of primary research studies by Brown et al., 2020 utilized a randomized trial design identified a diverse range of digital TEKT strategies. The study participants were end-users of public health services, such as health protection and promotion professionals. The analysis excluded studies targeting researchers embedded within public health services. The review found that digital TEKT strategies were effective in improving knowledge among diverse professionals, from mental health practitioners to primary healthcare workers in rural China. However, when compared to alternate KT methods, no significant differences in knowledge outcomes were observed. The study also found mixed results related to self-efficacy and behavioural intentions. Some interventions positively influenced participants' likelihood of assessing and screening patients for mental health disorders. Of the eight studies evaluated, three reported tangible changes to health policy or practice (Brown et al., 2020).
Tailored messages delivered via email, coupled with access to a health repository, emerged as a potent combination that significantly improved the implementation of public health policies and programs. While the review illuminated the potential of digital TEKT strategies, the effectiveness in improving self-efficacy, behavioural intentions, and instigating changes in health policy or practice remains inconclusive. The authors underscore the need for more studies that report on behavioural and population-level health outcomes, addressing this critical evidence gap. The study advocates for integrating relevant KT frameworks to disseminate research findings effectively, steering the course toward evidence-informed health policy and practice decisions (Brown et al., 2020).
As technology continues to reshape the healthcare landscape, understanding and optimizing these digital strategies will be pivotal in promoting evidence-based decision-making and propelling public health initiatives to new heights. The digital health renaissance is upon us, and TEKT stands as a beacon lighting the way forward. Digital Knowledge Translation has the power to revolutionize public health services and improve health outcomes for communities worldwide.
Reference
Brown, A., Barnes, C., Byaruhanga, J., McLaughlin, M., Hodder, R. K., Booth, D., Nathan, N., Sutherland, R., & Wolfenden, L. (2020). Effectiveness of Technology-Enabled Knowledge Translation Strategies in Improving the Use of Research in Public Health: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(7), e17274. https://doi.org/10.2196/17274
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