Exploring clinicians’ experiences and perceptions of end-user roles in knowledge development: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background End-user involvement in developing evidence-based tools for clinical practice may result in increased uptake and improved patient outcomes. Understanding end-user experiences and perceptions about the co-production of knowledge is useful to further the science of integrated knowledge translation (iKT) – a strategy for accelerating the uptake and impact of research. Our study had two main objectives: (1) explore end-user (clinician) experiences of co-producing an evidence-based practice tool; and (2) describe end-user perceptions in knowledge development. Methods We used a qualitative study design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with clinicians and used a transcendental phenomenological approach to analyze themes/phenomena. In addition, we explored the interrelated themes between the thematic maps of each objective. Results Four themes emerged from clinicians’ experiences in co-producing the practice tool: ease/convenience of participating, need for support and encouragement, understanding the value of participating, and individual skillsets yield meaningful contributions. Stakeholder roles in knowledge tool development and improving dissemination of evidence and knowledge tools were themes that related to clinician perceptions in knowledge development. The review of interrelated thematic maps depicts an intertwined relationship between stakeholders and dissemination. Conclusions End-users provide invaluable insight and perspective into the development of evidence-based clinical tools. Exploring the experiences and perceptions of end-users may support future research endeavours involving iKT, such as the co-production of clinical resources, potentially improving uptake and patient health outcomes.

Exploring clinician perceptions of a care pathway for the management of shoulder pain: a qualitative study

“…Our study is situated within a larger project, whereby end-users co-developed an evidence-based care pathway to facilitate the clinical management of shoulder pain in adults. In a previous publication, we describe clinicians’ experiences of co-producing the care pathway and their perceptions of participating in knowledge tool development [ 21 ]. Collectively, our findings provide a guide for engaging clinicians in integrated knowledge translation (iKT) endeavors and co-producing clinical resources [ 45 – 51 ].…”

“…We used the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) to guide this study’s conduct and reporting. The methods of this study have been previously reported in a related study [ 21 ].…”

“…Our study is situated within a larger project, whereby end-users (i.e., clinicians) co-developed an evidence-based practice tool with our team of researchers [ 21 ]. The practice tool is an online care pathway that aims to facilitate the clinical management of soft-tissue shoulder pain in adults.…”

Using the consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to integrate innovation recipients’ perspectives into the implementation of a digital version of the spinal cord injury health maintenance tool: a qualitative analysis

“…Such power imbalances within the intersection of healthcare and research, particularly between those receiving and delivering such services and those designing such services, have been widely reported [ 12 , 13 ]. There are concerted efforts within health service development, health research and health research funding, to rectify this power imbalance [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Development of a Website for a Living Network Meta-analysis of Atopic Dermatitis Treatments Using a User-Centered Design: Multimethod Study

“…Clinicians and patients without training in interpreting NMA results would not likely be able to use this information directly for treatment decisions. Stakeholder engagement in the website design process could improve uptake and dissemination of NMA results [ 11 ].…”