Exploratory study of the role of knowledge brokers in translating knowledge to action following global maternal and newborn health technical meetings

Norton, Theresa; Howell, Catherine; Reynolds, C.

doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2016.04.012

Cited by 13 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…The findings from our mixed-method study show that the Canadian samples of self-identified KBs describe their roles and skills in ways consistent with existing literature [2,7,10,11,22]; that is, as our qualitative data have shown, KBs build relationships that enable knowledge users to gain access to research evidence that can inform or improve their practices. Against this backdrop, both our qualitative and quantitative data suggest, at least among the KBs in our study, that the use of theories and frameworks to guide knowledge brokering varies.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

“…In such situations, where knowledge is transferred to users without being mobilised in routine practice, KBs need to identify and meet clients' needs to better support evidence-based decision-making at the organisational and policy levels [21]. Similarly, Norton et al [22] suggest that drawing on multiple theoretical frameworks can inform the function and roles of KBs, what kinds of evidence might be required, and what mechanisms of knowledge synthesis might be deployed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In sum, there remain significant knowledge gaps relative to how KBs conceive of, inform and assess the impact of their work. Although several scholars have described KBs' roles and activities [2,7,10,11,22], to truly understand the impact effectiveness of knowledge brokering and how to sustain it, we need to better understand (1) the extent to which KB practitioners draw on frameworks and theory to inform their practice as well as (2) if and how they evaluate the impact of their activities in terms of meeting knowledge users' needs and enhancing their capacity to access and use research evidence. These are the aims of the study reported in this paper.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Newman

DeForge

Eerd

et al. 2020

Health Res Policy Sys

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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.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Newman

DeForge

Eerd

et al. 2020

Health Res Policy Sys

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Knowledge Translation (KT) – which goes by a host of different terms [ 4 , 5 ] - describes the process of using evidence to make decisions and create action [ 6 ]. A commonly used definition of KT is the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s: “ A dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve [health]….…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge translation for public health in low- and middle- income countries: a critical interpretive synthesis

Malla

Aylward

Ward

2018

glob health res policy

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BackgroundEffective knowledge translation allows the optimisation of access to and utilisation of research knowledge in order to inform and enhance public health policy and practice. In low- and middle- income countries, there are substantial complexities that affect the way in which research can be utilised for public health action. This review attempts to draw out concepts in the literature that contribute to defining some of the complexities and contextual factors that influence knowledge translation for public health in low- and middle- income countries.MethodsA Critical Interpretive Synthesis was undertaken, a method of analysis which allows a critical review of a wide range of heterogeneous evidence, through incorporating systematic review methods with qualitative enquiry techniques. A search for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2016 on the topic of knowledge translation for public health in low- and middle – income countries was carried out, and 85 articles were reviewed and analysed using this method.ResultsFour main concepts were identified: 1) tension between ‘global’ and ‘local’ health research, 2) complexities in creating and accessing evidence, 3) contextualising knowledge translation strategies for low- and middle- income countries, and 4) the unique role of non-government organisations in the knowledge translation process.ConclusionThis method of review has enabled the identification of key concepts that may inform practice or further research in the field of knowledge translation in low- and middle- income countries.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s41256-018-0084-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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“…Also, ongoing conversations among KBs and their peers seem to have a number of advantages at the inner setting level when communicating with clinical teams and managers (e.g., decreasing the resistance to change and providing the informal evaluation for KBs activities) and at the outer settings level when communicating with professional and provincial groups (e.g., facilitating the accessibility to information). The existing literature [89][90][91][92][93] and a recent mixed-method study [94] showed that by building relationships with knowledge users Canadian KBs' help their peers to gain access to research evidence that can inform or improve their practices. Previous research also emphasized the importance of interpersonal communication as a substantial element in knowledge brokering; communication acts as a foundation to build relationships of trust between KBs and their working teams [10,54,76,90,95].…”

Section: Organizational Levelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Using Knowledge Brokers in Canadian Rehabilitation Settings: A Qualitative Study

Gaid

Ahmed

Thomas

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: Knowledge translation experts advocate for employing knowledge brokers (KBs) to promote the uptake of research evidence in health care settings. However, little is known about factors influencing the utilization of KBs, thereby limiting their employment within healthcare organizations. This research aimed to identify factors likely to hinder or promote the optimal use of KBs within rehabilitation settings in Canada.Methods: Qualitative study using semi-structured telephone interviews with individuals performing KB activities in rehabilitation settings across Canada. The interview topic guide was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and consisted of 20 questions covering five domains (characteristics of individuals, inner setting, process, outer settings, and innovation characteristics). All interviews lasted 60 to 90 minutes, were digitally recorded, and transcribed verbatim. We conducted qualitative descriptive analysis combining deductive coding guided by the CFIR. Two independent analysts coded and rated all interviews, then met to review, deliberate and modify the codes as appropriate. A matrix was created by listing the salient codes for each CFIR construct to identify factors (facilitators and barriers) at the individual, organisational, and process level most likely to impact the KB’s success/failure.Results: Twenty-three participants, from five Canadian provinces were interviewed. At the individual level, the majority of participants reported having strong communication skills, being confident about performing KBs activities, and possessing solid clinical experience and prior research skills. At the organizational level, most respondents indicated constantly networking and engaging with clinical teams and different stakeholders, and having an acceptable level of guidance from their managers. Very few participants felt that they received sufficient organizational support (i.e., clerical support and IT support). At the process level, all participants indicated needing evaluation tools to better gauge their performance, and the majority mentioned that they would benefit from having additional training tailored to their roles as KBs.Conclusions: Individual, organisational and process level factors likely to hinder or promote the optimal use of KBs within Canadian rehabilitation settings include skillsets and networking abilities; culture, resources, and leadership support; and the need for specific training for KBs and for evaluation tools to monitor their performance.

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Exploratory study of the role of knowledge brokers in translating knowledge to action following global maternal and newborn health technical meetings

Cited by 13 publications

References 14 publications

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

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

Knowledge translation for public health in low- and middle- income countries: a critical interpretive synthesis

Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Using Knowledge Brokers in Canadian Rehabilitation Settings: A Qualitative Study

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