A pilot project in linkage and exchange: Developing our understanding of knowledge brokering

This research project is looking at at how scientists and health professionals can work more effectively together. In particular it will seek to identify the things we can do both as creators of research and users of research to help to make sure that when we have identified a good solution we can put it into practice more quickly. It will also try to identify how when something is working well we can recognise it and let other people know about it as soon as possible so they can try it too.

This research seeks to fill some of the gaps in current knowledge about the principles and practice of knowledge brokering. The overall goals that we seek to achieve are 1) to encourage the implementation of structures, processes. and skills dveleopment in the partner organisations with the aim of linking researchers and decision makers and 2) to encourage the use of high-quality research evidence in relation to decision making in the partner organisations.

The research will use a complex intervention framework divided into two main phases. The modelling phase will involve a comprehensive review of the defining features of knowledge broker interventions, including an investigation of the effectiveness of similar interventions. The main aim of the first phase would be to identify the range of interventions a broker could employ and the necessary skills which a knowledge broker should possess. The methodologies used in this phase would include literature review, case studies of similar interventions and the use of quantitative surveys which would seek to identify the plausibility of the knowledge brokering interventions as well as the key facilitating factors and barriers to the interventions. The exploratory trial phase would involve the implementation of a range of knowledge brokering interventions. This is likely to involve working with strategic decision makers in the partner organisations to identify and provide tailored evidence to support and drive changes in service development and delivery which are based on current healthcare policy. Prior work in this area suggests that this will involve reframing the policy issues facing the partner healthcare trusts and accessing and translating the evidence required to address these issues. The specific tasks and methodologies used during this phase will be developed during phase 1.

The process of the intervention will be the main focus of the evaluation and will involve both qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as review of policy documentation, meeting records and interviews with key stakeholders.

The application and dissemination of the results will be a key focus of the research from the early stages. All project activities will be shared amongst the partner organisations, which will also assist in facilitating the dissemination of findings. Findings will be shared via a number of different media. It is an important element of the project that we as a team model the behaviours we are also seeking to evaluate.