Knowledge to action phenomenon beyond the healthcare discipline: a scoping review

The knowledge to action (K2A) phenomenon encompasses the process in which research is converted into practical applications leading to meaningful impacts in real-world settings. Research in the K2A field has been burgeoning across disciplines, with the development and use of various K2A theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs). However, there is concern that limited cross-disciplinary communication in the K2A field reduces novel synergies and insights across contexts. A more robust understanding of how K2A is enacted in different contexts rests upon examining how K2A research is conceptualized and applied to the knowing-doing gap in different disciplines. Prior scoping reviews of K2A TMFs are limited to the healthcare discipline. Expanding beyond healthcare, this scoping review aims to (1) identify the K2A TMF(s) used in three non-healthcare disciplines, (2) characterize the K2A TMF(s) used, and (3) identify the prevalent components. Articles published in the business, education and environmental sciences/studies disciplines were identified using Web of Science and Scopus. Included studies satisfied the following criteria: reported and described the use of a K2A TMF(s), described an intervention, and were published in English between 2019–2024. A total of 2702 articles were screened, and 39 studies were included for data extraction. 38 distinct K2A TMF(s) were identified, 63% of which were not previously identified in healthcare scoping reviews. The most common K2A TMF(s) used were the Technology Acceptance Model ( n = 4), the Diffusion of Innovation Theory ( n = 4), and the Theory of Planned Behaviour ( n = 3). In 69% of K2A TMF applications, a rationale was provided for its selection. This review demonstrates how K2A TMFs are applied in three disciplines beyond healthcare and generates possibilities for further cross-pollinating research across disciplines that have developed rich but siloed approaches. Identifying and comparing classifications and applications of K2A TMFs across disciplines strengthens the transdisciplinary character and integration of K2A research.