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This article briefly discusses knowledge translation and lists the problems associated with it. Then it uses knowledge-management literature to develop and propose a knowledge-value chain framework in order to provide an integrated conceptual model of knowledge management and application in public health organizations. The knowledge-value chain is a non-linear concept and is based on the management of five dyadic capabilities: mapping and acquisition, creation and destruction, integration and sharing/transfer, replication and protection, and performance and innovation.

We discuss the "know-do gap," present a definition of knowledge translation, and discuss its relative importance in bridging the know-do gap. Some of the underlying causes of the know-do gap are listed, along with ongoing efforts to address them. Knowledge translation is considered a cross-cutting, nonlinear process that involves not only recent research findings but also knowledge that is created from the dynamic interaction of people who come together to solve public health problems, to learn, and ultimately to drive productive change. We also mention some of the activities undertaken by the World Health Organization in regards to knowledge translation. The search strategy has been nonsystematic, and reference is made to selected sources only.

The Ministerial Summit on Health Research in November 2004 and the World Health Assembly in May 2005 called for more research in developing countries to strengthen health systems and to [...]

Edited by Paul Raymond Hunter, Mike Waite & Elettra Ronchi Published by CRC Press & IWA Publishing, London, England ISBN 1-84339-027-2, price US$ 129.95 In 1998, a workshop on safe [...]