Innovations in knowledge transfer and continuity of care.

Researchers and implementers will need to become better versed in the knowledge transfer literature, experiment with these frameworks when implementing innovations, and test their usefulness with different innovations in different contexts.

Abstract

In summary, the transfer of continuity-of-care innovations to practice is a complex process. Knowledge transfer is complex in and of itself, and in the case of continuity-of-care innovations this complexity is compounded by the need to simultaneously target multiple sectors, settings, agencies, and providers. Although there are a number of knowledge transfer theories/models, their use in guiding implementation activities is not yet commonplace. If the health-care system and patients/clients are to benefit from continuity-of-care research, researchers and implementers will need to become better versed in the knowledge transfer literature, experiment with these frameworks when implementing innovations, and test their usefulness with different innovations in different contexts.