(2009-04-28) We are pleased to announce that three knowledge translation online learning modules are now freely available on the CIHR knowledge translation website. These modules: A Guide to Researcher and Knowledge User Collaboration in Health Research, Introduction to Evidence-Informed Decision Making and Critical Appraisal of Intervention Studies are briefly described below. Please enjoy!

A Guide to Researcher and Knowledge-User Collaboration in Health Research

This learning module will lead those engaged in collaborative health research - both researchers and knowledge users - through many of the key issues that should be considered and addressed when taking an integrated approach to creating knowledge and translating it into action. The module includes many real-life examples and case studies to illustrate learning points discussed in each section.

Module Sections

1. Introduction
2. Identify and recruit researcher partners
3. Taking stock of barriers and facilitators
4. Engaging in collaborative research design
5. Governance
6. Ethics
7. Maintaining partnerships over time
8. Identify Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) funding opportunities
9. Dissemination and knowledge to action

Introduction to Evidence-Informed Decision Making

This module has been developed to increase understanding about the components of evidence-informed decision making. It is built on a scenario that allows the learner to understand and apply each stage of the evidence-informed decision making process.

Module Sections

1. What is evidence-informed decision making? Why bother?
2. Ask. How do I frame the question?
3. Acquire. How can I find the best evidence in five minutes or less?
4. Appraise. How can I decide if the particular study is good enough to apply?
5. Integrate. How do I decide which of multiple studies to use?
6. Adapt. How do I use the information from #5 in decision-making/policy brief?
7. Apply. How do I develop the implementation the plan?
8. Analyze. How do I evaluate if the plan worked?

Critical Appraisal of Intervention Studies

The objective of this module is to increase the learner's ability to decide if an intervention study is of sufficient quality that it can be applied to a particular situation. The module is built on a scenario that allows the learner to understand and apply each criterion for critical appraisal of an intervention study.

Module Sections

1. Scenario
2. What is critical appraisal? Why bother doing it?
3. Critical appraisal tools and criteria for intervention/prevention studies
4. Application of critical appraisal criteria
1. Read article and complete answer sheet
2. Are the results valid?
3. What are the results?
4. How can I apply the results?
5. Resolution of scenario
5. Optional review practice
6. Useful references

Ian Graham, PhD
Vice-President, Knowledge Translation