Is Knowledge Contagious? Diffusion of Violence-Risk-Reporting Practices Across Clinicians’ Professional Networks

Abstract

The knowledge–practice gap remains a challenge in many fields. Health research has shown that professional networks influence various aspects of patient care, including diffusion of innovative practices. In the current study, we examined the potential utility of professional networks to spread the use of violence-risk-assessment tools in forensic psychiatric settings. A total of 6,664 reports, written by 708 clinicians, were used to examine the effect of clinicians’ use of risk-assessment tools on subsequent reports by other clinicians with whom they share patients. Results show that professional networks serve as an important channel for the spread of assessment practices. Simulation of a continuing education program showed that targeting more influential clinicians in the network could be 3 times more efficient at disseminating best practices than randomly training clinicians. Decision-makers may consider using professional networks to identify and train influential clinicians to maximize diffusion of the use of risk-assessment instruments.

The sexual recidivism drop in Canada: A meta‐analysis of sex offender recidivism rates over an 80‐year period

“…The possibly significant variations in correctional practices across Canadian provinces is a reminder that the evolution of practices has been multilayered and has affected the trajectories of numerous offenders. The way knowledge and practices are diffused across jurisdictions may reflect the attitudes, philosophies, and training experiences of those responsible for administering and promoting different correctional principles (e.g., Charette et al., 2021). While the decline in recidivism coincides with significant and gradual changes in correctional practices, the decline was not necessarily caused by these advancements, making it important to consider other factors as well.…”

The Central Role of Lifelong Learning and Humility in Clinical Psychology

“…Relying on inconsistent, subjective, or informal feedback or experience alone may not expand or strengthen psychologists’ competencies. Furthermore, subscribing to journals or chatting with colleagues is also unlikely to be sufficient unless influential members of their professional network remain up to date in their knowledge and skills (Charette et al, 2021). We believe that lifelong learning requires an intentional and thoughtful approach to pursue well-crafted, high-quality learning opportunities to keep up with the changing science and practice.…”

“…Many clinicians spend their office hours seeing patients and often do not have the luxury of attending lectures or taking courses during business hours. Professional networks may serve as a critical pathway for dissemination of new knowledge and skills for people that do not have ready access to educational offerings, particularly if the most influential members of that network do engage in lifelong learning (Charette et al, 2021). The increasing availability of online educational opportunities, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, has also helped to address opportunity barriers associated with travel.…”