Aim: This paper presents the results of a review of literature relating to knowledge transfer and exchange in healthcare. Background: Treatment, planning and policy decisions in contemporary nursing and healthcare should be based on sound evidence wherever possible, but research knowledge remains generally underused. Knowledge transfer and exchange initiatives aim to facilitate the accessibility, application and production of evidence and may provide solutions to this challenge. This review was conducted to help inform the design and implementation of knowledge transfer and exchange activities for a large healthcare organization. Data sources: Databases: ASSIA, Business Source Premier, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Review methods: An integrative literature review was carried out including an extensive literature search. English language systematic reviews, literature reviews, primary quantitative and qualitative papers and grey literature of high relevance evaluating, describing or discussing knowledge transfer or exchange activities in healthcare were included for review (January 1990-September 2009). Findings: Thirty-three papers were reviewed (four systematic reviews, nine literature reviews, one environmental scan, nine empirical studies and ten case studies). Conclusion: Robust research into knowledge transfer and exchange in healthcare is limited. Analysis of a wide range of evidence indicates a number of commonly featured characteristics but further evaluation of these activities would benefit their application in facilitating evidence-based practice in nursing

Introduction Practice education is fundamental to pre-registration learning for many health and social care professions, yet finding sufficient opportunities for students is challenging. One-to-one student–educator pairings are common, and while different models could increase placement opportunities, the associated terminology is inconsistent and an overview of advantages, challenges and available evidence is missing. This mapping review identifies, categorises and critically considers the evidence for different models of practice education used by health and social care professions. Method Papers from 2008 onwards reporting on practice education approaches in allied health or social care profession courses were identified in three databases. Data was extracted, methodological quality categorised and a typology of practice education models developed. Findings Fifty-three papers were reviewed and developed into a typology of 14 models. Mapping indicated issues with a lack of high-quality research and limitations in available outcome indicators. Pre-requisites for the effective operation of different models include preparation, communication and allowing sufficient time for new ways of working. Conclusions Practice education discourse is characterised by varied terminology and practices. Various models for structuring practice education exist, though the evidence for their effectiveness and impact on capacity is limited. Using consistent language and considering wider impacts and outcomes is recommended in future study.

Basing treatment, policy and planning decisions on the best available research knowledge remains a central principle in modern health care around the world, yet many health professionals find acquiring and managing published research knowledge challenging. In this paper, we report on a Soft Systems Methodology-based collaborative action research initiative with a specialist mental health service from the United Kingdom's National Health Service. Our objective was to design and implement improvements to their knowledge acquisition and management activities in order to facilitate sustained and effective evidence-based practices. We report on both the factors found to impede effective research knowledge acquisition and management and the development of more integrated knowledge management processes designed to improve the situation

We have developed methodologies in interdisciplinary collaborations spanning statutory and non-statutory services. We have developed a set of principles for practice and detailed plans for implementation are being drawn up to inform provision in the future.

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