Introduction to Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Developing an Evidence-Based Information Service on Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) for People Affected by Cancer – Using a Knowledge Transfer Partnership

What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)?

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership is a UK government initiative to enhance knowledge and skills transfer between Universities and Companies stimulating innovation through collaborative projects by employing a graduate to facilitate change. The cost of the partnership is covered by a grant from the government with the remaining cost covered by the company.

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership Consists of 3 Partners

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The Knowledge Base Partner provides an opportunity for an academic institution to apply knowledge and expertise in the context of improving practice within a company,  and can increase the business relevance of the Knowledge Base’s research and teaching. This KTP is based in the Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Plymouth, drawing on research expertise in cancer, evidence-based practice, health informatics and complementary therapies.

The Associate is a recent graduate who provides a link between the Company and Knowledge Base. The Associate is provided with the opportunity to put their academic qualification into practice and pursue further qualifications including an NVQ in Management. The associate on this project graduated in 2006 with a BSc in Complementary Medicine & Health Sciences.

The Company  - KTP projects aim to help a company which wants to innovate, expand or improve their performance.

Penny Brohn Cancer Care

Penny Brohn Cancer Care (formerly Bristol Cancer Help Centre) provides complementary care, the Bristol Approach, to people with cancer, and their loved ones. Working alongside medical treatment, this complementary approach can transform lives - giving people practical tools to improve their daily quality of life and helping to manage the fear of cancer. Founded more than 26 years ago, today Penny Brohn Cancer Care supports many thousands of people affected by cancer through a range of therapeutic courses and information services. The Charity continues to set the standard in complementary cancer care and has the backing of leading oncologists, healthcare professionals and complementary therapists.

Introduction

In the UK it is reported that up to 52% of people with cancer use some form of complementary medicine.

As the use of complementary therapies in cancer has increased, so has access to information about such therapies. The Internet is a major source of information that is easily accessible but may be overwhelming in quantity. Studies have shown that the quality of information about complementary therapies on the internet is extremely variable.

The NICE guidelines on Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer recommend that high quality information should be made available to patients about complementary therapies and services. The Department of Health’s guidance document ‘Supporting People with Long Term Conditions to Self Help’ includes key actions to “offer patients self care support, disease-specific education and self management skills” and “explore ways of making available more self care tools, self monitoring equipment and assistive technologies – plus information, access and support for their use”.

The Project

Aims:

1. To review existing web sites, leaflets and quality criteria, and to develop an evidence-based information resource, on complementary therapies in cancer care for health care professionals and people affected by cancer.
2. To involve therapy staff in the development of the resource and evaluating the use of the information resource in practice.

Objectives:

• To conduct an evaluation of good quality websites that focus on complementary therapies and cancer to see what makes them good and user-friendly, together with a literature review on how to assess the use and effectiveness of websites in health care. 
• To assess the needs of health care professionals for information on complementary care a. PBCC therapists, b. physicians of a cancer centre, c. patients.
• To assess the evidence available for therapies relevant to cancer, in terms of presentation and user-friendliness.
• To develop or refine information sheets on therapies relevant to the Bristol Approach and test their effectiveness of use with a. therapists, b. physicians of a cancer centre, c. patients. 
• To develop an optimal strategy for the production of information for health care professionals, and ultimately a complementary care database.
• To measure the effect on therapists within a health care organisation of developing an evidence based information system.

Further Information

Contact: Matthew Breckons – Matthew.Breckons@plymouth.ac.uk 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - http://www.ktponline.org.uk/

KTP Office, University of Plymouth - http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/ktp 

Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Plymouth - http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/hsw