Knowledge translation: A concept analysis

AIM: The aim of this article is to clarify the concept of knowledge translation (KT) to close the gap that exists between research knowledge and actionable nursing practice. BACKGROUND: KT addresses the research to practice gap that exists in healthcare. KT is often confused with other terms and needs to be defined further as a concept for clarification and application in nursing practice. DESIGN: Concept analysis using the Walker and Avant method. DATA SOURCES: Databases searched were OVID, CINAHL, ProQuest, Mendeley, Western Libraries, and Google Scholar. Keywords used were "knowledge translation", "knowledge", "translation", "evidence-based practice", "research dissemination". Abstracts were reviewed for relevance, and 27 articles available in full-text and in English from 2000 to 2018 were retained. Online dictionaries included Merriam-Webster. The ancestry method was also used to retrieve relevant articles. RESULTS: KT is one of many terms used to describe the concept of moving research to actionable practice in healthcare. Six attributes of KT were identified: collaboration, action, receptivity, process, translation, and improved healthcare outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses are responsible to provide the best care to their patients, and effectively using KT in nursing practice can ensure better outcomes for patients.