A Literature Review Of Knowledge Translations Barriers

Background:Evidence supporting the important role of knowledge translation (KT) has evolved; several case studies have clearly demonstrating benefits of KT for the future health system. But during the implementation of KT, various kinds of barriers were found.Objective:To make a clear classification of the barriers in the knowledge translation process between health decision-makers and researchers.Methods:The database Medline, CNKI, Cochrane and Library were searched to collect studies on the barriers of KT. The publication language was limited to English and Chinese from the inception of databases to March 2015. Case studies were identified for descriptive analysis.Result:The barriers of KT is illustrated according to the decision-making process:absence of personal contact between researchers and decision-makers; lack of timeliness or relevance of research; mutual mistrust, including perceived political naivety of scientists and science naivety of policymakers; power and budget struggles; poor quality of research; political instability or high turnover of decision-making staff; different understanding and standards of evidence.Conclusions:Barriers should be found in knowledge translations process. Lack of communication usually is the biggest barrier met during the KT process. The deliberative dialogue might be helpful to improve the communication process. KT is a fresh and recently use term, continuing researches of KT barriers and strategies are needed.