A case study of knowledge brokerage in occupational therapy

Abstract

Background/aims Knowledge brokerage is a relatively new method for promoting knowledge translation in health-care services; it promotes knowledge translation through an intermediary person known as a knowledge broker. Knowledge brokerage was introduced in response to the recognised challenges to evidence-based practice as existing methods are found to have a variable impact on practice. Methods This study was conducted using a single workplace, phenomenological, case study design. Seven participants, who are in academic, managerial, clinical and knowledge broker positions, were asked to reflect on their experience of participating in a pilot knowledge brokerage project within a regional health service. The Gibbs Model of Reflective Practice was used as a basis for both eliciting and analysing participants' reflections, and the data were analysed thematically. Findings Themes that were identified across both time points and/or by both participants and the knowledge broker are reported here. These themes were classified into four categories: doing research; lived experience; building, cementing and maintaining relationships; and enacting knowledge brokerage. Conclusions A number of positive outcomes for the health service and university were identified, and knowledge brokerage will become a sustained feature of the relationship between these two organisations. This study has expanded the current evidence base for knowledge brokerage in healthcare services, and provides information that may be useful to those considering implementation of knowledge broker roles for supporting evidence-based practice.