Brokering Upstream: Providing Information in a Landscape of Health Inequality

Abstract

In Canada, concerns about the level of treatment available for persons with eating disorders have been raised to national attention through a recent parliamentary report which indicates that multiple fronts need attention: including prevention, intervention, and treatment for eating disorders. This predictably places a significant burden of responsibility on health information providers who may be the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking help for an eating disorder, as well as health care practitioners seeking current information. The knowledge broker in this scenario provides current, reliable information about the health issue as well as requisite links to access medical support. This paper examines the theory and practice of health knowledge brokers, focusing in particular on theoretical models which support ehealth knowledge exchanges and those which involve health equity issues. Findings from this review of the literature indicate that the role of a health knowledge broker in the current era is both enhanced and challenged by e-communication technologies. The collective findings from this ongoing study are expected to shed new light on health mobilization efforts designed to build critical health literacy, advocacy, action, and empowerment in the areas of e-health and eating disorders.