Despite advances in health research in recent decades there are still gaps between knowledge and daily practice. Several terms have been used in literature to refer to the research that aims at reducing such gaps. Knowledge Translation (KT), the term used in this review, is defined as a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve health, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system. This article reviews basic aspects of KT, its differences with translational research, the conceptual framework on which the KT is supported, its scope and objectives, the tools used for the translation, the possible barriers and interventions to counteract them. Clinical practice guidelines, which are based on systematic reviews of the literature, are the ideal tools to synthesize, analyze and contextualize the evidence with the aim to create recommendations, which are the first step when we are interested in planning a KT intervention to be implemented in a target audience.