The unintended negative consequences of knowledge translation in healthcare

A systematic scoping review

Bibliographic Data

ID12647828
AuthorsAnn Dadich (0000-0001-5767-1794, Western Sydney University, corresponding author), Priya Vaughan (0000-0002-1016-619X, Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia), Katherine Boydell (0000-0002-1464-8532, Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia)
Year2023
Volume32
Issue1
Pages75-93
Publication date2023-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Sociology Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1446-1242 • E-ISSN: 1839-3551
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14461242.2022.2151372
PMID36680321
OpenAlexW4317684906
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited69

Knowledge translation represents an avenue to address the oft-cited chasm between what should and what does happen in healthcare. Knowledge translation encompasses myriad processes through which different knowledges coalesce to inform practice. However, some reports suggest that experiences with knowledge translation are less than favourable. To better understand these experiences, a systematic scoping review of academic literature was conducted to unveil the unintended negative consequences of knowledge translation and how they were addressed. After screening 9,598 publications, six reported evidence of unintended negative consequences. The most prevalent was emotional labour - negative emotional or psychological sequelae, depression, anxiety, powerlessness, and frustration. These consequences were experienced by knowledge translation brokers, knowledge translation recipients, and knowledge translation producers. All but one publication offered some discussion of strategies to manage or mitigate these unintended negative consequences, including co-design, collaboration, and supported dialogue. These findings suggest there is limited research that explicates the unintended negative consequences of knowledge translation. Given the importance of knowledge translation, this review indicates there is considerable opportunity to advance it, in a better-informed way. Only by considering the unintended negative consequences of knowledge translation can they be identified, addressed, and potentially moderated, if not averted

Health care · Knowledge management · Knowledge translation · MEDLINE · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Systematic review · Unintended consequences · Computer Science · Health Policy Implementation Science · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology