Knowledge Translation in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Citation Analysis of the Knowledge-to-Action Literature

Objectives: To (1) provide an overview of the use of the Knowledge-to-Action Cycle (KTA) to guide a clinical implementation project; (2) identify activities performed in each phase of the KTA; and (3) provide suggestions to improve KTA activities in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Data sources: Google Scholar and PubMed were searched through December 31, 2019.

Study selection: Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles to identify published studies that used the KTA to implement a project.

Data extraction: Two reviewers examined full-text articles. Data extraction included activities performed in each phase of the KTA, including measurements used to evaluate the project's effectiveness.

Data synthesis: Commonly performed KTA activities were identified and country of study, area of rehabilitation, and other factors related to the use of the KTA in rehabilitation were described. A total of 46 articles that met the study's inclusion criteria provided an overview of the use of the KTA in rehabilitation. Strengths and weaknesses of the articles are discussed and recommendations for improved KTA use are provided.

Conclusions: Implementation of evidence-based practice requires focused engineering and efforts. This review provides an overview of the knowledge translation activities occurring in physical medicine and rehabilitation and considerations to improve knowledge translation research and practice.