Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Research and Innovation, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Int J Health Policy Manag. 2023;12:6901. doi: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.6901. Epub 2023 Feb 14.
There is evidence of the benefits of integrated knowledge translation (IKT), yet there is limited research outlining the purpose of a knowledge broker (KB) within this approach. The Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit (MSSU) acts as a KB to support patient-oriented research across the Maritime provinces in Canada. The "Bridge Process" was developed by the Nova Scotia (NS) site as a strategy that involves work leading up to and following the Bridge Event. The process supports research addressing priority health topics discussed at the event by stakeholder groups. The objectives of this paper were to (1) describe the outputs/outcomes of this IKT approach; and (2) examine the role of the KB.
Quantitative data were collected from registration and evaluation surveys. Outputs are described with descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected through evaluation surveys and internal documents. Data related to KB tasks were categorized into three domains: (1) Knowledge Manager, (2) Linkage and Exchange Agent, and (3) Capacity Developer.
The Bridge Process was implemented four times. A total of 314 participants including government, health, patient/citizen, community, and research personnel attended the events. We identified 24 priority topics, with 7 led by teams receiving support to complete related projects. Participants reported improved understanding of the research gaps and policy needs and engaged with individuals they would not have otherwise. Although patients/citizens attended each Bridge Event, only 61% of participants who completed an evaluation survey indicated that they were 'actively engaged in group discussion.' The KB's role was identified in all three domains including Knowledge Manager (eg, defining questions), Linkage and Exchange Agent (eg, engaging stakeholders), and Capacity Builder (eg, research interpretation).
The MSSU facilitated an IKT approach by acting as a KB throughout the Bridge Process. This deliberative and sequential process served as an effective strategy to increase collaborative health research in the province.
有证据表明综合知识转化（IKT）的益处，但在这种方法中，对于知识经纪人（KB）的目的，研究有限。海洋 SPOR 支持单位（MSSU）作为一个 KB，在加拿大海洋省份支持以患者为中心的研究。“桥梁过程”是由新斯科舍省（NS）站点开发的一种策略，涉及到桥梁事件之前和之后的工作。该过程支持解决利益相关者群体在活动中讨论的优先健康主题的研究。本文的目的是：（1）描述这种 IKT 方法的产出/结果；（2）研究 KB 的作用。
从注册和评估调查中收集定量数据。使用描述性统计数据描述产出。通过评估调查和内部文件收集定性数据。与 KB 任务相关的数据分为三个领域：（1）知识经理，（2）联络和交流代理，（3）能力开发人员。
桥梁过程实施了四次。共有 314 名参与者，包括政府、卫生、患者/公民、社区和研究人员参加了活动。我们确定了 24 个优先主题，其中 7 个主题由获得支持完成相关项目的团队领导。参与者报告说，他们更好地了解了研究差距和政策需求，并与他们原本不会接触的个人接触。尽管患者/公民参加了每一次桥梁活动，但只有 61%完成评估调查的参与者表示他们“积极参与小组讨论”。KB 的作用在所有三个领域都得到了确定，包括知识经理（例如，定义问题）、联络和交流代理（例如，吸引利益相关者）和能力建设者（例如，研究解释）。
MSSU 通过在整个桥梁过程中充当 KB 来促进 IKT 方法。这个深思熟虑和循序渐进的过程是增加该省合作健康研究的有效策略。
