REAL Knowledge

The environment for decision makers is one of urgent demands, budget constraints, changing priorities and compressed timelines. Integrating evidence into the decision making process can be challenging, however we are committed to developing innovative programs to ensure that best knowledge available is used as part of the decision making process.

Decision makers need varying levels of knowledge that is Relevant to the decisions being made, Excellent in its quality, Accessible in a format and language that is easily understood and Legitimate by having the methodological rigor and standards to ensure it is in keeping with the body of knowledge. This is REAL knowledge and this is how we can help.

We have designed mechanisms to support the integration of REAL knowledge within decision-making processes in the province and are committed to building active partnerships with these decision–makers to support them in accessing and utilizing REAL knowledge. We utilize four key concepts that guide its philosophy on the integration of evidence into decision-making processes and the development of its Knowledge Programs:

1. Informed decision-making means consideration of the best information available in decision-making processes. We recognize that research knowledge is an excellent, but not the sole, basis of decisions within the health system.

2. People who use knowledge for decision-making processes need to trust that the information is Relevant to the decisions being made, Excellent in its quality, Accessible in a format and language that is easily understood and Legitimate by having the methodological rigor and standards to ensure it is in keeping with the body of knowledge. This is REAL knowledge.

3. Knowledge needs to be accessible in a timely manner that is similar to a decision-makers’ timelines which can vary from hours to years.

4. Focusing on knowledge users is key to supporting evidence integration. We have moved away from using terms such as knowledge translation, knowledge utilization, and knowledge transfer/exchange which can be barriers for knowledge users. We recognize that these terms and concepts have significant utility within the academic community as they often define and guide the conceptual work to better understand these theories, models and processes.