Identifying and understanding research impact: A review for occupational scientists

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: Occupational science continues to be a transformative science, providing knowledge that has potential for social and policy change in relation to occupational inequities. However, as researchers become more dependent on funding and funders seek to identify value for their investment, there is a clear need to consider research findings in the occupational science context of impact on participation and health and well-being outcomes.Objectives: The purpose of this review was to identify the approaches that have been used to understand the impacts of health research, to identify ways that research impacts have been defined and measured and to provide recommendations for occupational science.Methods: An umbrella review – a systematic overview of review articles – was conducted to synthesize research relevant to the evaluation of research impact.Findings: Several frameworks have been used to evaluate research impact, and although exploratory methods provide the most meaningful insights, standard approaches have their weaknesses. Therefore, the method chosen should be reflective of the intention of the evaluation. The UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) definition might be best suited for occupational science. Researchers ought to collect data about impact in real time, before a project ends. Occupational science can support increased social and policy impact by conducting research in collaboration with policymakers. Occupational scientists are encouraged to introduce ideas around inequities to the broader research impact community.Conclusion: Considering research impact in occupational science may advance the field by increasing the quality and funding of research. Researchers must consider engaging policymakers and potential users to ensure greater impact.