
On this page you’ll find:
Finding, creating, sharing, and using your research knowledge
We use the term knowledge translation to talk about how we use research knowledge. In the HSE, we define knowledge translation as the process involved in reducing the gap between research and practice and making sure effective innovations are used in policy and practice. It is about finding, creating, sharing, and using knowledge, and is an interactive process between those who create knowledge and those who use it
Why is it so important to think about what happens to research and how it is used?
- Well here are 10 good reasons why it matters:
- As a researcher you have been working for months, or possibly years, to find out something new in your topic area and you want your findings to be used and make a difference.
- You want to get recognition for your work. What you have found in your study could make a difference to the way patients are treated or looked after.
- Sharing research findings makes a difference to our understanding of different conditions and treatments.
- What you have found in your study might change guidance or policy or influence training.
- You might be having difficulty reaching those who need to know about your study and need some support.
- Research needs to be closer to those who will use the findings and not just seen as something that takes place in academia and a long way from the front line services.
- Sharing findings with patients, service users, and the public can bring a new understanding of your research and new ideas.
- A lot of health research uses public funds, so we have a responsibility to show patients and the public how we are using the funding.
- Sharing research findings and knowledge is the right thing to do!
To help researchers to make the most of their research, translate it into practice, policy, guidance, and education, we have created resources and guides.
To understand more about sharing your research knowledge, watch our video
Training and Support Resources
A series of training modules on planning, disseminating, and translating research knowledge into practice.
These modules include:
The HSELand modules are:
- What is knowledge translation
- Planning for knowledge translation
- Engaging with stakeholders
- Choosing a knowledge translation framework
- Planning for impact
- Evaluating knowledge translation
The instructions to get to them are:
- Login to HSeLanD
- Select Course Catalogues
- Select any of the below catalogues
a. Clinical Skills
b. Profession of Unit
c. Personal Effectiveness
d. Quality, Leadership & Management - Then Select the “Research and Development” catalogue
- Alternatively, use the HSELand search tool and search ‘knowledge translation’.
Guides and Resources on Knowledge Dissemination
Here are some resources to help you start planning your dissemination and knowledge translation
- How to get the most from your research: an introduction to sharing what you have learnt, disseminating your research, and engaging others in making a difference. [PDF/256 KB]
- 10 reasons why you should share your research. [PDF/225 KB]
- A glossary of research terms. [PDF/1 MB]
Guides for knowledge dissemination and translation
The following guides will help you through the process of dissemination and translating your research knowledge into practice, policy, guidance, education or training:
- Guide no 1: What is knowledge translation and what does it involve [PDF/460 KB]
- Guide no 2: Planning for knowledge translation [PDF/336 KB]
- Guide no 3: Knowledge translation frameworks, what are they, how and when to use them [PDF/409 KB]
- Guide no 4: Stakeholder engagement [PDF/449 KB]
- Guide no 5: How to achieve impact from your research: planning for impact [PDF/404 KB]
- Guide no 6: Evaluating your knowledge translation and dissemination: how do you know what you have achieved?[PDF/281 KB]
- Guide no 7: Communicating Research Findings [PDF/519 KB]
- Guide no 8: Patient and Public Involvement in HSE Research [PDF/728 KB]
Other Resources
- Practical tools and templates for all HSE researchers and those who use research findings [PDF/589 KB]
- VICTOR impact pack [PDF/988 KB]
- Knowledge Translation, Dissemination and Impact check list [PDF/197 KB]
- HSE library guides to library services, systematic searching and open access publishing
Contact us
If you would have any queries or need support please contact us on ResearchandDevelopment@hse.ie