A mixed methods examination of knowledge brokers and their use of theoretical frameworks and evaluative practices

Abstract

Background: Knowledge brokering is a knowledge translation approach that includes making connections between researchers and decision-makers to facilitate the latter's use of evidence in health promotion and the provision of healthcare. Despite knowledge brokering being well-established in Canada, many knowledge gaps exist, including understanding what theoretical frameworks have been developed and which evaluative practices knowledge brokers (KBs) use. Methods: This study used a mixed methods design to examine how KBs in Canada (1) use frameworks, models and theories in their practice and (2) how they evaluate knowledge brokering interventions. We gathered interview and survey data from KB practitioners to better understand their perspectives on effective practices. Our analysis focused on understanding the theoretical frameworks used by KBs. Results: This study demonstrates that KBs in Canada tend not to rely on theories or models that are specific to knowledge brokering. Rather, study participants/respondents draw on (sometimes multiple) theories and models that are fundamental to the broader field of knowledge translationin particular, the Knowledge to Action model and the Promoting Action Research in Health Sciences framework. In evaluating the impact of their own knowledge brokering practice, participants/respondents use a wide variety of mechanisms. Evaluation was often seen as less important than supporting knowledge users and/or paying clients in accessing and utilising evidence. Conclusions: Knowledge brokering as a form of knowledge translation continues to expand, but the impact on its targeted knowledge users has yet to be clearly established. The quality of engagement between KBs and their clients might increasethe knowledge brokering can be more impactfulif KBs made efforts to describe, understand and evaluate their activities using theories or models specific to KB.

Clinical research coordinators’ role in knowledge translation activities in rehabilitation: a mixed methods study

“…However, it is often used as an organizing framework for data analysis [ 55 ]. The PARIHS is considered one of the most commonly used determinant frameworks to study the role of context in implementation [ 56 ] and in the research to understand knowledge brokering activities [ 57 ].…”

Knowledge Brokerage: The Musical: an analogy for explaining the role of knowledge brokers in a university setting

“…Just as a musical director knows the baseline ability of his cast to deliver the story after their auditions so, too, the KB must examine the baseline readiness of the people they are working with and identify barriers to moving forward. It is consistently reported in the KB literature that there is a lack of strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of knowledge brokerage, (Ward et al, 2009;Bornbaum et al, 2015), with KBs encouraged to build evaluative practices into their work (MacKillop et al, 2020;Newman et al, 2020). Many KBs have an outward focus on facilitating knowledge utilisation rather than measuring their own success, however assessing the effectiveness of needs to be a critical part of KB practice (Newman et al, 2020), with it being recommended that frameworks to facilitate this process be developed and utilised (Ward et al, 2009;Newman et al, 2020).…”

“…It is consistently reported in the KB literature that there is a lack of strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of knowledge brokerage, (Ward et al, 2009;Bornbaum et al, 2015), with KBs encouraged to build evaluative practices into their work (MacKillop et al, 2020;Newman et al, 2020). Many KBs have an outward focus on facilitating knowledge utilisation rather than measuring their own success, however assessing the effectiveness of needs to be a critical part of KB practice (Newman et al, 2020), with it being recommended that frameworks to facilitate this process be developed and utilised (Ward et al, 2009;Newman et al, 2020). This aspect of evaluation does seem to be absent from previous reported models of knowledge management, linkage and exchange, and capacity building (Ward et al, 2009).…”

Research Capacity Building for Clinicians: How Does the Research Facilitator Role Foster Engagement in the Research Process?

“…Whilst numerous publications provide information about the desired characteristics of a knowledge broker when translating evidence to practice (32)(33)(34)(35), currently, little is known about the qualities required of knowledge brokers in terms of building clinicians' research capacity. The RRGP research facilitators provided this study with rich and detailed data regarding the skills and attributes they believe are necessary when facilitating clinicians' engagement with the research process, presented in detail in Table 1.…”