Knowledge brokering in public health: A critical analysis of the results of a qualitative evaluation

Abstract

Empirical data on the processes underlying knowledge brokering (KB) interventions, including their determining factors and effects, remain scarce. Furthermore, these interventions are rarely built on explicit theoretical foundations, making their critical analysis difficult, even a posteriori. For these reasons, it appeared relevant to revisit the results of a qualitative evaluation undertaken in the province of Quebec in parallel with a Canada-wide randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating various KB strategies in public health. This paper looks critically at the theoretical foundations of the KB interventions in light of two conceptual models: (1) the dissemination model underlying the KB interventions used in the Canadian trial and (2) a systemic KB model developed later. This critical analysis sheds light on the processes involved in KB interventions and the factors influencing their implementation and effects. The conclusions of the critical analysis are consistent with the systemic model, in which interpersonal contact is an essential condition for effective KB interventions. This analysis may advance knowledge in the field by enhancing our understanding of the role of knowledge brokers as essential mediators in KB processes and outcomes.

What difference does dance make? Critical conversations across dance, physical activity and public health

“…Baum (1995) pointed out some 20 years ago that as public health had begun to take on socio-cultural and environmental approaches 'so the questions asked by public health researchers have become more complex, more embedded in social, political and economic factors ' (1995, p. 459). It is therefore worth considering whether evidence-based policy demands are engaging with complexity (Dagenais et al, 2015;Kaur, 2016;Pawson, 2001) What difference does dance make? 11 based questions relating to objectives that aim to increase activity levels.…”

“…There is evidence of growing recognition of the role of qualitative research in evidence based evaluation (Lub, 2015, Rossi et al 2004, critiques of standard evidence based approaches in health and challenges to the hierarchical position of quantitative findings (Freshwater et al 2010), taking a more holistic approach to health (Roe and Lysaker, 2012), mixed methods in public health more generally (Kaur, 2016), mixed methods in dance and physical activity evaluations (Sebire et al 2016) and stake holder-researcher relations in public health (Dagenais et al 2015;Oliver et al 2013). We cannot attend to these debates in detail here but draw on them at times in our extrapolation of implications for dance in relation to PA, PH and sport.…”

Getting the most out of knowledge and innovation transfer agents in health care: a qualitative study

“…16,41,42,152,155,163,167 Roles can take time to be established, and may take on different forms based on specific local organisations. 137,168 One reason given for the success of the CQRS's partnership programme was that participants were expected to show measurable results.…”

Prioritization of non-recommended clinical activities in Primary Care

“…Las revisiones sistemáticas que han evaluado el impacto de las intervenciones para el cambio en la práctica clínica 32,33 indican que las más eficaces son aquellas que combinan varios enfoques, particularmente programas de capacitación, líderes de opinión y evaluaciones. Sin embargo, aunque estas revisiones ayudan a proporcionar una mejor comprensión del fenómeno, la evidencia sobre la eficacia de este tipo de intervenciones sigue siendo escasa 34 . Los responsables políticos y gestores sanitarios deben implementar intervenciones que faciliten el trabajo de los profesionales, incentivar la des-adopción de prác-ticas de bajo valor, atenuar las barreras y potenciar los facilitadores.…”