Environmental scan on Canadian interactive knowledge translation tools to prevent diabetes complications

Abstract Objective We identify existing interactive KT tools that would help patients and health care professionals to prevent diabetes complications in the Canadian context. Methods We conducted an environmental scan in collaboration with researchers and four patient partners across Canada. We conducted searches among the research team members, their networks, and Twitter, and through searches in databases and Google. To be included, interactive KT tools had to meet the following criteria: used to prevent diabetes complications; used in a real-life setting; use of any instructional method or material; be relevant to the Canadian context, written in English or French; developed and/or published by experts in diabetes complications or by a recognized organization; created in 2013 and after; and be accessible online or paper-based. Two reviewers independently screened each record for selection and extracted the following data: authorship, objective(s), patient characteristics, type of diabetes complications targeted, type of knowledge users targeted, and tool characteristics. We used simple descriptive statistics to summarize our results. Results Out of 1700 potentially eligible interactive KT tools, 31 were included in the scan. Tool formats included personal notebook, interactive case study, risk assessment tool, clinical pathway, decision support tool, knowledge quiz and checklist. Diabetes complications targeted by the tools included foot related-neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders and distress, any complications related to diabetes and kidney disease. Conclusion Our results will inform Canadian stakeholders interested in the prevention of diabetes complications to avoid unnecessary duplication, identify gaps in knowledge and support implementation of these tools in clinical and patients decision making.