Transferring, translating and transforming knowledge: the role of brokering in healthcare networks

Abstract

PurposeThis research examines how knowledge and information are managed within two care networks. We develop a conceptual framework drawing on the notion of brokering and the 3T framework, which is used to describe the relative complexity of boundaries (referred to in the framework as syntactic, semantic and pragmatic) as well as capabilities and processes required to exchange information within the network. Previous research on brokering has focused on healthcare managers and professionals, but this research extends to patients and caregivers. Understanding knowledge exchange and brokering practices in healthcare is critical to the delivery of effective services.Design/methodology/approachFor this case research, non-participant observation and experienced-based interviews were undertaken with healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers within two care networks.FindingsThe findings reveal brokering roles occupied by healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers support the transfer, translation and transformation of knowledge and information across functional and organisational boundaries. Enablers and disablers to brokering and the exchange of knowledge and information are also identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to two care networks for long-term conditions within the UK. Further research opportunities exist to examine similar care networks that extend across professional and organisational boundaries.Practical implicationsThis research informs healthcare professionals of the brokering capabilities that occur within networks and the enabling and disabling factors to managing knowledge across boundaries.Originality/valueThis paper provides a conceptual framework that categorises how increased levels of knowledge and information exchange and brokering practices are managed within care networks.

Evaluation of a family liaison officer role introduced during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A mixed methods study

“…5 Much of the previous research related to brokering roles has focused mainly on managers, healthcare professionals 16,17 and to a lesser extent patients/relatives. 18 The evaluation of this nonprofessional FLO role provides us with another important perspective that has rarely been considered.…”

How insights from the field of information behavior can enrich understanding of knowledge mobilization

“…Accordingly, this perspective gives further importance to knowledge brokers, boundary spanners, boundary objects (Melo and Bishop, 2020), and the boundary work necessary to bridge between communities of practice (see Nicolini, Omidvar, Pyrko and Spannellis, 2022 for a review). Knowledge brokers are human actors who enable knowledge sharing across communities, for example, clinician-managers or nursing managers who can straddle the medical and managerial domains (Chew, Armstrong and Martin, 2013;Oborn, Barrett and Racko, 2013;Williams, Radnor, Aitken, Esain and Matthias, 2021). They act as liaisons, gatekeepers, coordinators, representatives, and itinerant brokers (Gould and Fernandez, 1989;Long, 2013;Waring, Currie, Crompton and Bishop, 2013;Williams, Radnor, Aitken, Esain and Matthias, 2021).…”

“…Knowledge brokers are human actors who enable knowledge sharing across communities, for example, clinician-managers or nursing managers who can straddle the medical and managerial domains (Chew, Armstrong and Martin, 2013;Oborn, Barrett and Racko, 2013;Williams, Radnor, Aitken, Esain and Matthias, 2021). They act as liaisons, gatekeepers, coordinators, representatives, and itinerant brokers (Gould and Fernandez, 1989;Long, 2013;Waring, Currie, Crompton and Bishop, 2013;Williams, Radnor, Aitken, Esain and Matthias, 2021). Boundary spanners are human actors and other-than-human agents, like objects and technologies (boundary objects), that enable cooperation or shared knowing across boundaries (Carlile, 2002).…”

“…, 2023 for a review). Knowledge brokers are human actors who enable knowledge sharing across communities, for example, clinician-managers or nursing managers who can straddle the medical and managerial domains (Chew et al ., 2013; Oborn et al ., 2013; Williams et al ., 2021). They act as liaisons, gatekeepers, coordinators, representatives and itinerant brokers (Gould and Fernandez, 1989; Long et al., 2013; Waring et al ., 2013; Williams et al ., 2021).…”

Guest editorial

“…We finish the special issue with a research examining two case studies on the role of "brokers" in healthcare implementation by Williams et al (2021). Brokerage roles were occupied by healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers who all support the transfer, translation and transformation of knowledge and information across functional and organisational boundaries.…”