Knowledge transfer and exchange among academic researchers of Hawler Medical University

Background and objectives: Knowledge transfer and exchange is a dynamic and complex process which comprises the creation of knowledge and its application to improve health, provide more effective health services and products, and will strengthen the overall healthcare system. This study aimed to understand the current context of knowledge transfer and exchange and identify the main barriers and facilitators for enhancing that from the perspective of university academics. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out between February to September 2015 on 160 academic researchers of the four colleges of Hawler Medical University; Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing. A self-administered questionnaire was used for this purpose. Likert scale was used to rate participants answers and SPSS for assessing the level of association between different variables. Results: The study revealed that the mean ± standard deviation time academic researchers used for conducting different activities of knowledge transfer and exchange was 9.39 ± 14.08 and that around 43% of the participants stated that they use less than 5% of their time for knowledge transfer and exchange activities. There was no significant statistical association between knowledge transfer and exchange percentage time used by academic researchers from one side and research areas and different colleges from another side. Conclusion: There is an obvious shortfall from the side of academic researchers in transferring or exchanging the knowledge they acquire from their health research to their target audience. There is a lack of investment from the side of academic researchers in health policy and system research.