At BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), we view knowledge as foundational to advancing our understanding of mental health and substance use issues, delivering evidence-based interventions, supporting innovation, and ultimately, optimizing the health, wellbeing, and growth of individuals, families, and communities. BCMHSUS recognizes the wealth of knowledge that our patients and clients, direct care providers, decision-makers, staff, and partners have to offer. 

Knowledge translation and exchange makes a connection between knowledge and action. As a process, knowledge translation and exchange helps us find, generate, share, and apply knowledge from multiple sources. Knowledge translation and exchange is about understanding the most important challenges that need to be addressed, learning about the best available solutions, and sharing that knowledge in ways that encourage action and change—whether that be changes to individual health behaviours, to the delivery of health care and related clinical services, and/or to health system planning and policy development.

BCMHSUS Knowledge Translation and Exchange Framework

The BCMHSUS Knowledge Translation and Exchange Framework was launched in December 2021 to support a shared understanding of knowledge translation and exchange at BCMHSUS, including key concepts and terms, sources of knowledge, roles, and functions. The Framework includes many examples of knowledge translation and exchange in action throughout BCMHSUS and beyond, to inspire readers to consider ways in which they already engage in knowledge translation and exchange activities within their role, or to inspire new ideas of ways to improve care. The Framework describes four key functions for strengthening connections between knowledge and action:

1. Generate, synthesize, and share knowledge
2. Foster partnerships
3. Build capacity
4. Apply tools
   

Knowledge Translation and Exchange in action

At BCMHSUS, we strive to build a culture of knowledge translation and exchange through collaborating and consulting on research projects and change initiatives, ensuring knowledge translation and exchange principles and practices are integrated across BCMHSUS, and building knowledge translation and exchange capacity within our organization. There are many projects underway within BCMHSUS aimed at improving mental health and substance use care across BCMHSUS. For examples of knowledge translation and exchange in action, review the framework (PDF) or explore the Related Content or Related Stories.

To create your own knowledge translation and exchange plan for your research study or project, access the Knowledge Translation and Exchange Plan Worksheet (PDF) and the supporting Knowledge Translation and Exchange Plan Guide (PDF).

We're developing a map of research institutes across B.C. – and we want to hear from you!

BCMHSUS uses knowledge translation and exchange to help promote excellence and to strengthen the relationship between clinical practice and research. Part of the vision and mission for the BCMHSUS Research Institute is to bring together mental health and substance use researchers and research entities across the province "to inspire, inform, and amplify research that is relevant, meaningful, positively impacts patients, programs, and the health system."

There is a lot of innovative research occurring in the fields of mental health and substance use in the province of British Columbia and across Canada. Further to discussions with leaders of various research institutes, we learned that there is a knowledge gap with respect to the research entities in B.C. with a focus on mental health and/or substance use.

In response to this gap, we are in the process of developing a map of research institutes in B.C. Learn more about the numerous research institutes.

We would love to hear from you! Please let us know if you will find this map useful and/or if you notice any research institutes missing from the list. You can contact us at: bcmhsus_ke@phsa.ca.