Knowledge Translation in Chiropractic Care
What is Knowledge Translation (KT)?
Knowledge Translation (KT) is the process of closing the gap between what is known from high-quality research and what is done in everyday clinical practice. This gap – known as the knowledge-to-action (KTA) gap – delays the application of effective treatments and leads to the overuse, underuse, or misuse of care. In other words, even when new evidence becomes available, patients don’t always receive the best possible care in a timely or consistent way.
Why KT Matters
Effective KT enhances:
• Patient outcomes and satisfaction by promoting up-to-date evidence-based care.
• Clinician confidence and satisfaction through ongoing professional growth.
• Patient education, which helps improve treatment adherence and sets realistic expectations for care.
• Care quality across the profession, benefiting the system as a whole and supporting all stakeholders — from clinicians and educators to policymakers and patients.
Shared Responsibility, Shared Impact: How Everyone Plays a Role in KT
At the OCA, we believe that KT is a collective effort. By supporting our members with the tools, partnerships, and leadership needed to put research into action, we’re helping ensure that Ontario chiropractors continue to deliver the highest standard of care.
Organizations: Support KT by fostering a culture that values continuous learning, developing implementation tools, investing in evidence-based resources, and facilitating collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders.
Individual chiropractors: Contribute to KT by staying engaged with new research, applying insights in practice, engaging in peer-to-peer conversations, and sharing clinical experiences to help keep KT relevant and practical.
Explore OCA’s KT Resources
Below is a growing collection of KT tools and resources for health care professionals, including educational videos, materials for patients, and research summaries.
Animated video
Understanding the science behind chiropractic care for chronic Musculoskeletal pain
Chiropractic care poster
Patient-centered care focused on the spine, muscles, joints, and related nervous system
Coming soon…
Research Review: Knowledge Translation in Evidence-Based Care
Animated videos:
• Chiropractic Scope
• Chiropractic care and healthy aging
• Chiropractic care and concussions
• Chiropractic care for different types of headaches
