Knowledge translation strategies designed for public health decision-making settings: a scoping review

Objectives To review and describe available Knowledge Translation (KT) strategies that are designed for or applied in public health decision-making settings. Introduction KT is the exchange, synthesis, and ethically sound application of knowledge. This review proposes that KT strategies in public health settings should be understood as action plans that promote evidence use and facilitate evidence-informed decision-making. Methods This scoping review included studies that reported on KT strategies applied in public health settings, published between 2010 and 2017. Studies were searched using Medline, online KT database, and citation tracing. Data from 305 included studies were synthesized using a coding form and conceptually mapped to identify KT strategies used in public health settings. Results A total of 124 unique examples of KT methods or tools were identified and summarized into 38 recommended and promising KT strategies. Built on the lists of recommended strategies, this review synthesized a framework that matched all 38 KT strategies to 10 key components of the evidence-informed decision-making process. Conclusions The public health KT strategies summarized and organized by this review promote a better understanding and more effective use of KT strategies.