KT Challenge

Want to learn how to use evidence to improve health care in real life? Or have you identified a need for practice improvement? 

Your knowledge translation (KT) project will help you integrate evidence into best practices. Knowledge Translation (KT) is the art and science of moving evidence into health care policy and practice. The KT Challenge is designed to support teams of clinicians who may not have much KT expertise, but are responsible for moving evidence into practice. 

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 KT Challenge program!

BC Cancer is delighted to partner with Providence Health Care, Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, and Northern Health on the Knowledge Translation Challenge program.

The KT Challenge will:

• Support BC Cancer staff who do not have knowledge translation experience
• Help design your own KT project
• Provide easy access to KT resources, mentorship and funding

The KT Challenge is designed to support teams of point-of-care staff and clinicians who may not have much KT expertise, but are responsible for moving evidence into practice. To participate:

1. Review the KT Challenge guidelines and KT Challenge timeline.
2. Form a team of 2 or more people. Teams can be inter-professional. At least one member has to be a point-of-care staff.
3. Designate a team leader (must be 0.5 FTE or greater, employed at BC Cancer for a minimum of one year).
4. Complete and submit the letter of intent by October 18, 2024 at 4:00 PM

For more information contact Perla Araiza at research.kt@bccancer.bc.ca

Thank you to those who attended our 2025 KT Challenge Info Session!

If you missed our info session or wish to revisit some of the content presented, you can find the PowerPoint Slides Here

The session has been recorded (See Below):

The action behind intention: Celebrating Knowledge Translation Projects:

Learn more about the KT Challenge projects that are being done by BC Cancer nurses and allied health professionals:

2024 KT Challenge

• Integrating Caregivers into care teams for Autologous Multiple Myeloma Outpatient Transplants in the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program of BC

2023 KT Challenge

• Integrating Hand Grip Strength (HGS) Measurement into Nutrition Assessment for Adults Receiving Treatment for Head and Neck (HN) Cancer 
• Priming Practice: Drug Versus Diluent Priming of IV Lines

2022 KT Challenge 

• Enteral feeding discussion aid for patients with head and neck cancer on dual-modality treatments
• Show me the evidence - nursing practices and policy at BC Cancer

See other examples of KT Challenge projects funded by Vancouver Coastal Health here 

I want to be involved, but don’t know much about Knowledge Translation – can I still participate?

The KT Challenge is perfect for you! We’ve designed the KT Challenge to teach beginners the basics of knowledge translation.

How much award money is available for teams who are selected to participate in the KT Challenge?

Successful teams will receive up to $5,000 each in funding to conduct their KT project.

When are the KT workshops?

To help you develop your KT plan, three workshops will be held with one in December 2024, January 23, and February 27 in 2025.

What will the KT Challenge funding cover and what will it not cover?

Funds are available for use after the ethics application has been approved (if required). Eligible expenses include: staff time to work on the project; salaries for research assistants, transcription costs; consultant fees for data analysis; purchase of small equipment (less than $100 usually); office supplies; software licenses, and survey licenses. Teams must include a detailed budget when they write their full proposal for funding. Details about budget development will be made available to teams.

What will be expected of participants?

Applicants will find team members and complete a short LOI form. If your application is accepted, you are expected to attend three virtual KT skills workshops, participate in an online community of learners, and write a five-page proposal for funding, with support from a KT mentor. Teams whose projects are selected will be supported with funds and a mentor to conduct their projects over a 2-year period. Team leaders and members will be required to complete the online KT Challenge evaluation surveys.

What is the expectation of funded teams with regard to sharing their findings?

Each funded team will be asked to write a brief report to the KT Challenge Advisory Committee on their learnings and achievements.

How do I know if my project is better suited for the KT Challenge vs the Practice-Based Research Challenge?

If you are unsure which challenge is the best fit for your project, check out the RC Vs KTC Tree. If you still have questions please email research.kt@bccancer.bc.ca