JCPSLP Vol 23 Issue 2 2021

system, Scholastica. A change management process was implemented and by the end of 2017 all submissions to the journal were managed end-to-end using the online system. This led to greater efficiency and integrity of submission, peer review, editorial review, decision-making and communication processes, and better reflected the contemporary, digital environment in which SLPs and academics are currently expected to operate. JCPSLP plans for 2021 and beyond We (Katrina Blyth and Andy Smidt) have taken on the role of co-editors and we are excited by the plans for 2021 and beyond. We see real strengths in the journal now being largely accessed online. We plan to include some clickable links within the text which take the readers to short videos or audio material. We also hope to have a “meet the author” event where readers can send questions to the author who will then answer those questions in a live (online) session. We are mindful of the key issues facing each previous editor and we concur with many of their aims. We agree with David Trembath that seeking multidisciplinary papers outside of health disciplines is important and with Jae Hyun-Kim about the challenges in selecting topics for themed issues and we are considering having some issues without a theme. We are open to ideas from you as our readers on what you want in this publication which we see very much as being for clinicians. We will have succeeded in our role, if our readership is happy. JCPSLP and implementation science The current issue of JCPSLP has implementation science/ knowledge translation as its theme. I asked previous editors to reflect on the relationship between implementation science and the journal. I have summarised their thoughts below but begin with a very useful discussion of the relationship between EBP, implementation and knowledge translation provided by Leigha Dark. Knowledge translation, as I understand it, is different to EBP in so far as it is about synthesising the findings of a body of sufficiently high-quality evidence and presenting messages in a tailored and targeted way to enable different groups of knowledge stakeholders to put the information into use within their context.

collaboration and co-creation of knowledge products that influence change at different levels—consumers, community, clinicians, organisations, and policy makers. This involves a responsive and nuanced approach grounded in relationships. Implementation science is the measurement and evaluation of knowledge translation activities. There was agreement that knowledge translation is essential in supporting speech pathologists to engage in evidence-based practice. The importance of involving stakeholders in knowledge translation approaches was highlighted. JCPSLP provides an accessible vehicle for enabling researchers to share the outcomes of their work and thus inform the profession of evidence-based approaches for working with individuals, families and communities. Strict word limits imposed on journal articles limit the capacity to provide sufficient detail for replication within the clinical context, leaving open the possibility of JCPSLP supporting knowledge translation through disseminating tutorial-like articles based on published research articles. It can play a critical role in knowledge translation for the speech pathology profession within Australia, by continuing to support the reciprocal exchange of research findings, in accessible formats, between those who generate knowledge and those who need to use it. There is an opportunity for JCPSLP to contribute to building much greater awareness of knowledge translation as both a contemporary process and a skill set. There are also opportunities for the journal to continue to explore the specific information needs of its target audience in order to support: (a) more tailored strategies to disseminate knowledge that supports efficient and effective implementation within practice settings; (b) collaboration between clients/consumers, clinicians and researchers to co-design and co-create research; and (c) evaluation of knowledge translation strategies that are effective and efficient. It would also be interesting to explore how the journal may broaden its reach to other audiences, e.g., interprofessional, consumer, policy-makers, and better utilise existing mediums for connection and exchange of knowledge. In summary, JCPSLP is well positioned as a clinical journal to facilitate discussion of topical practice-related issues, dissemination of research and clinical findings in an accessible way, uptake of best practice, and reflection and refinement of service offerings.

Knowledge translation or knowledge exchange strategies require planning, resourcing, and skill in

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JCPSLP Volume 23, Number 2 2021

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au