About knowledge translation

At Safe Kids Canada, the goal of knowledge translation is to provide injury prevention research to the right people, in the right format and at the right time.   

The Knowledge translation and exchange model at Safe Kids Canada is a dynamic process that involves evidence generation, translation, dissemination and evaluation of outcomes to reduce the rate of childhood injuries in Canada. The exchange of knowledge and practice between researchers, practitioners, and families takes place at all points in the model.

Knowledge translation and exchange model at Safe Kids Canada

Evidence generation involves identifying evidence-based practices in injury prevention by reviewing published research, grey literature, scanning successful strategies used by credible organizations, consulting researchers, and obtaining expert opinions when no credible research is available. Our in-house reference centre contains over 2,000 injury prevention resources.  Staff conducts literature reviews by searching research databases and synthesizing research that informs our programming.  

Knowledge translation involves translating and disseminating evidence that has been generated through the research and synthesis phase. Before dissemination, the evidence is crafted into key messages for individual action, recommended intervention strategies and tools for uptake by community partners. This process can include authoring or contributing to policy papers that inform our advocacy efforts.  Researchers and practitioners are involved throughout the knowledge translation process to ensure that the information is credible, relevant and in the right format.

Knowledge dissemination at Safe Kids Canada flows through various channels including:

Safe Tip Line - This e-mail service offers parents, caregivers, and professionals the opportunity to make enquires related to injury prevention. Questions range from technical car seat questions to requests for in-depth consultations with community partners regarding programming.

Web site - www.safekidscanada.ca  is a popular site for parents, community leaders and professionals seeking authoritative and concise injury prevention information. Parents can view online brochures, checklists and frequently asked questions pertaining to specific topic areas.  Professionals have access to injury reports, research documents, and community action tools and resources.  Information is provided in English and French. We are also pleased to offer some information for parents in Punjabi, Simplified Chinese and Portuguese.

  Order centre - Educational resources are available in a variety of formats including: brochures, checklists, DVDs and best practice guides. These materials cover a range of injury topics including child passenger safety, recreation, home, pedestrian and rail safety.

Publications - The evaluative results of some of our programs, such as our annual Safe Kids Week campaign, have been published in academic journals to share findings and stimulate new research in the injury prevention field.    

Policy documents – When focusing efforts on legislative change, Safe Kids Canada will draft policy documents to bring attention to specific issues.  These become tools to engage and inform the appropriate governmental bodies and decision-makers on the need for change to address or redress legislation specific to a key health promotion and injury prevention area.  

Conferences and workshops - Conferences provide an excellent forum for injury prevention professionals and researchers to share new research and programs. It is often an ideal environment for the exchange of innovative ideas about future directions for unintentional injury prevention.  Safe Kids Canada co-hosts the Canadian Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Conference which takes place every other year.  We also present and host workshops and symposiums at conferences that attract professionals and researchers interested in injury prevention.

Consultations – Safe Kids Canada provides consultation services to many of our community partners. This includes assistance with the generation of evidence, review of resources and program evaluations. We also participate on several governmental committees and working groups to influence and shape injury prevention policy and standards at the municipal, provincial and national levels.

Media and social media - Ongoing media awareness is generated through both proactive and reactive engagement with local and national media. This includes print, radio, television and online formats.  Safe Kids Week is an annual public awareness campaign which actively utilizes several elements of our knowledge translation model, incorporating evidence generation, a national media campaign, community engagement and advocacy.  Through just one Safe Kids Week campaign, we have achieved up to 97 million unpaid media impressions.

Evaluation involves measuring processes or outcomes of a particular program or initiative.  Process evaluations are focused on activity reports, community feedback and quality and quantity of media coverage. Outcome evaluations involve measuring changes in public knowledge and attitudes regarding prevention measures, and adoption of recommended actions including regulatory changes.

Published: Tue, Nov 22, 2011