Knowledge Translation in Cancer Services: Implementing the Research and Evidence in Practice Model

Abstract

Occupational therapy lacks intervention effectiveness studies, which are crucial to the profession's survival. Literature also describes problems in the translation of research findings into occupational therapy clinical practice. Despite this, there is limited information regarding specific organisational models of practice to facilitate both the generation and the translation of research evidence. In 2006, occupational therapists at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia, developed and implemented the Research and Evidence in Practice model. Over the past 5 years, the model has evolved to enable a more seamless and strategic approach to the generation and translation of evidence into practice. This practice analysis describes the current model, and provides a practical example from the cancer services clinical team to demonstrate its effectiveness.