Abstract

Abstract:

In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), a persistent gap exists between the creation of clinical evidence and its effective use by healthcare workers on the ground. Guidelines, policies, and training resources often remain siloed within academic or policymaking institutions, rendering them inaccessible, impractical, or overwhelming to frontline health workers who operate in complex, resource-constrained environments.

This presentation introduces a collaborative model developed by the Knowledge Translation Foundation (KTF) that bridges this evidence-to-practice gap by embedding knowledge translation and implementation science into the structure of primary healthcare systems. Central to this model is the Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) an integrated program of decision support, learning, and system change developed in collaboration with academic institutions, government partners, and clinical teams. Active in five countries, PACK adapts global evidence to local contexts, harmonizes with national policies, and supports clinician behaviour change through on-the-job mentorship and training.

The strength of this approach lies in its governance and leadership model. Rather than positioning knowledge generation and implementation as separate functions, KTF acts as a neutral partner and facilitator, bringing together ministries of health, researchers, guideline developers, and health system actors under a shared agenda. By building local capacity and enabling co-ownership of tools and processes, the model promotes sustainability, responsiveness, and trust. This session will also explore the role of digital innovation in this model, including an AI-powered platform that curates, tags, and localizes evidence-based documents, enabling real-time updates to PACK content and clinical recommendations.

Drawing on case studies from South Africa and other LMICs, we will share lessons learned in navigating the political, technical, and cultural complexities of leading systems change in the public health sector. The presentation will highlight how shared leadership, values-driven partnerships, and a focus on adaptability have enabled the PACK model to support primary healthcare workers in responding to diverse challenges from infectious disease outbreaks to the integration of mental health and noncommunicable disease care.

In an era of shifting health priorities, overburdened systems, and increasing demand for real-time, equitable access to knowledge, this model offers a scalable, evidence-informed approach to strengthening governance, building trust, and transforming the implementation of care.