Introduction/Rationale: The research-to-practice gap remains a persistent challenge in occupational therapy (OT). Scholars have identified barriers such as limited access to research, time constraints, and complex academic language. Our open-access academic journal seeks to bridge this gap by promoting open exchange of knowledge. The journal was designed to “challenge assumptions, inspire conversation, and facilitate communication by publishing material relevant to practice, education, research, and policy”.
Objectives: The purpose of the presentation is to 1) describe global opportunities for knowledge exchange through an open-access journal, and 2) describe the purpose of the knowledge translation takeaway.
Methods/Approach: The editors designed the journal requiring authors to describe the ways in which knowledge users – community partners, practitioners, and policy makers – were involved throughout their project. Each submission must include a knowledge translation takeaway, highlighting lessons learned and actionable steps to enhance real-world application. To enhance accessibility, all manuscripts feature a plain language summary, ensuring wider dissemination to a broad audience.
Results/Practice implications: During our first year of publication, journal editors received 33 submissions and published 13 articles across three issues. The journal received more than 2200 abstract views and article downloads. We met our intent to bridge the gap, with viewers from 189 institutions and 63 countries.We also have growing numbers of submissions and reviewers from around the world.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The journal supports inclusion of knowledge users, an exchange of ideas, and an opportunity to integrate the mission, vision, curricular design, and scholarly agenda within an academic program.