JCPSLP Vol 23 Issue 2 2021

information source to ensure we are providing the best care to our consumers. Once we can identify the communication channels that our consumers use and the codebook which suits them, then strategies should be tailored accordingly. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to knowledge translation. The researcher needs to develop tailored, consumer-specific strategies to ensure maximum translation and impact of their work, for both clinicians and our clients. That is our responsibility, not theirs. Clinicians need to reflect on their ethical responsibilities to access that work. References Bauer, M. S., Damschroder, L., Hagedorn, H., Smith, J., & Kilbourne, A. M. (2015). An introduction to implementation science for the non-specialist. BMC Psychology , 3 , 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-015-0089-9 Curran, G. M. (2020). Implementation science made too simple: A teaching tool. Implementation Science Communications , 1 ,1–3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40358- 020-00001-z Grimshaw, J. M., Eccles, M. P., Lavis, J. N., Hill, S. J., & Squires, J. E. (2012). Knowledge translation of research findings, Implementation Science , 7 , 1–17. http://www. implementationscience.com/content/7/1/50 Speech Pathology Australia. (2020a). Code of ethics . https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/code Speech Pathology Australia. (2020b). Professional standards for speech pathologists in Australia . www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/professionalstandards Suze Leitão and Grant Meredith have each served many terms on the SPA Ethics Board. Suze was chair for nine years and Grant a community representative for eight years. Suze is currently on the reserve pool for the ethics board and Grant has recently been re-appointed as community representative. Suze and Grant were in conversation with Dave Parsons , an academic working at Curtin University in Perth Western Australia in the School of Allied Health. He is a registered occupational therapist with a teaching and research position within the occupational therapy discipline at Curtin University. He also works as a research manager in a multidisciplinary clinical research team at Perth Children’s Hospital in Kids Rehab WA, the paediatric rehabilitation department; and one day a week as the allied health research lead at St John of God Public Hospital Midland to support and mentor allied health professionals to build the research capacity and culture at the hospital.

Yes, and more tangible strategies include engaging in targeted continuing professional development on evidence- based interventions, journal clubs, being aware of what access to journals and databases they have access to as part of their institution licence, encouraging more collaboration between clinicians and researchers, and even considering a higher degree by research. I think it is also important to acknowledge the systemic and cultural barriers that exist in some of the institutions when implementing new knowledge. Leaders of the profession must continue to value and recognise the importance of knowledge translation in their services and attribute resources towards achieving this. I’m seeing a shift in our institutions in Australia supporting this. Universities are recognising that consumers and industry engagement are vital in ensuring maximum impact of research and joint appointments between academic and clinical organisation are also emerging as a key strategy in building research capacity and culture in larger organisation which is great to see. You have really given us food for thought here, Dave! We have talked about researchers and clinicians— what do you think consumers need to understand about evidence-based processes that lead to new innovations in speech pathology? As the end-user of research, consumers are perhaps the most crucial stakeholder in the research process. As professionals with a fiduciary obligation to our clients, it is really up to us to ensure that what we are doing is evidence-based, not for the consumer to know that what we are doing is evidence-based. Importantly, we must clearly explain in ways that consumers understand the current evidence that exists for the various options available to empower them to make their own informed choices. So when you ask, what do consumers need to understand, I think it is our responsibility to empower consumers to understand the options they have available to them. Importantly, we need to provide consumers with the evidence to support them with their decision in language that they understand and can digest (Grimshaw et al., 2012). So how can evidence be better communicated to our consumers by the profession? To improve consumers’ understanding of evidence-based practice, it is important that the researchers target consumers specifically when developing knowledge translation strategies. We need to work with and not just at our consumers. This includes choosing appropriate communication channels, platforms and language that meets the needs of speech pathology consumers. Genuine and authentic inclusion of consumers at all parts of the research process, both in knowledge creation and knowledge translation, is essential. We need to value and seek this feedback and make sure we use this vital

Correspondence to: Trish Johnson Manager of Ethics and Professional Issues Speech Pathology Australia Level 1/114 William Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 phone: 1300368 835 or 03 9642 4899 email tjohnson@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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JCPSLP Volume 23, Number 2 2021

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