Monika Kastner: Research Chair in Knowledge Translation and Implementation

A hand reaches out to shining gears to touch them.

Research Chair: Monika Kastner, PhD

Monika smiles at the camera she has long blonde hair and wears a blue shirt

Biography

Monika Kastner is the Research Chair in Knowledge Translation and Implementation at North York General Hospital, Affiliate Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, and Associate Professor, Health Services Research in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) at the University of Toronto. Dr. Kastner is also an Associate Editor for the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). 

Knowledge translation (KT) is the bridge between knowledge creation and implementation. Monika’s goals are to improve the health of vulnerable populations and to advance the science and practice of KT. Her program of research involves designing innovative, technology-based KT tools that optimize health care delivery, clinical decision making, and patient outcomes. Monika is also conducting research to advance the science (methods) of KT. For example, she is leading a team to develop a framework called “KaT” aimed at helping a wide range of knowledge users (providers, patients, researchers, and policy makers) to optimize the development, implementation, and dissemination of KT tools and products with the best potential for impact. 

Hexagonal graphic that states "Knowledge Translation and Implementation: How knowledge informs care."

Monika earned a PhD in e-health and Innovations from the University of Toronto, was a CIHR Banting Postdoctoral Fellow, and the recent recipient of the CIHR New Investigator Award.

Research interests

Knowledge translation, implementation science and practice • health services research/methods • patient-oriented research • eHealth • user-centred design •  chronic disease management • older adult health • primary care • clinical decision support; systematic reviews • mixed-methods research

Current major research projects

  • Systematic review and Realist review of multi-chronic disease tools for older adults
  • Development and evaluation of the KeepWell Tool
  • Evaluation of the Knowledge-activated Tools (KaT) Framework
  • Overview of reviews of technology-based tools that support caregivers
  • Evaluation of the sustainability potential of the Choosing Wisely initiative across NYGH and the Joint Centres and affiliated family health teams
  • Implementation and evaluation of a Breast Cancer Tool (partnership)

Contact information

Phone: North York General Hospital: 416-756-6000 x4908

Monika at NYGH (email)

Publications

PubMed (external website)

Other appointments

Our Team

Monika Kastner, PhD

Research Chair

Monika smiles at the camera.

Julie Makarski, BSc(Hons), MSc

Research Manager

Julie smiles at the camera she wears black glasses and has long brown hair.

julie.makarski@nygh.on.ca