Using theatre as a knowledge translation tool
Communicating research innovatively
A scoping review is underway to investigate how theatre is used as a knowledge translation tool, examining associated outcome measures and facilitators or challenges.
What is knowledge translation?
Knowledge translation research seeks to address the persistent gap between research and practice by identifying effective communication strategies that move beyond traditional academic platforms such as journals and conferences. The goal is to translate knowledge into practice, making health research more accessible to health professionals, students, patients, their families, and the broader public.
Arts-based knowledge translation methods, which include performance art (eg theatre), visual art (eg photography), and literary art (eg poetry), are increasingly employed to disseminate and communicate research findings.
Theatre as a knowledge translation tool
Theatre, when used for knowledge translation, often involves interdisciplinary teams developing scripts based on research findings. These performances target specific audiences such as university nursing classes, health professionals, or the general public.
A scoping review is underway which explores theatre as an effective arts-based knowledge translation method. The scoping review specifically examines theatre for its potential to impact audience perspectives and behaviours through emotional engagement, discussion, and critical reflection.
The scoping review protocol, Using theatre as an innovative knowledge translation approach for health research, is available in the June 2024 issue of JBI Evidence Synthesis.