What is Knowledge Translation
and Exchange
Knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) is a key component of the Applied Chair in Health Services & Policy Research Program. Knowledge translation and exchange involves interaction between decision makers and researchers throughout the research process, including planning, implementing, disseminating, and applying research in decision-making. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) defines a decision maker as an individual who makes decisions about, or influences, health policies or practices—anyone who is likely to make use of the results of the research. CIHR provides more information about knowledge translation and exchange on their website.
Research programs funded through the CIHR Applied Chair program must include plans to involve intended users of the research “early and often” 
in the research program. Integrated knowledge translation and exchange (vs. end-of-grant knowledge translation) allows decision makers to identify emerging issues, needs, and priorities, thereby supporting research that is more likely to be relevant and useful, to result in feasible recommendations, and to be applied in practice.
To operationalize the knowledge exchange component of the Applied Chair program, we developed a 27-member Decision Maker Advisory Council, with representation from a wide range of sectors. The Council includes front-line staff, facility managers, family caregivers, regional health authority directors, provincial health consultants, family physicians, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan representatives, and other stakeholders. The Decision Maker Advisory Council provides ongoing direction for the Applied Chair Program.
As an initial step in developing a centre of excellence in rural and remote dementia care, we have invited several international researchers with expertise in dementia care and rural health delivery to sit on the Advisory Council and to participate as co-investigators on various research projects. Researchers from Scotland, England, and the United States are currently working with our team.