Abstract
ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to develop a statistical model to assess factors associated with information seeking in a Canadian public health department.MethodsManagers and professional consultants of a public health department serving a large urban population named whom they turned to for help, whom they considered experts in evidence-informed practice, and whom they considered friends. Multilevel regression analysis and exponential random graph modeling were used to predict the formation of information seeking and expertise-recognition connections by personal characteristics of the seeker and source, and the structural attributes of the social networks.ResultsThe respondents were more likely to recognize the members of the supervisory/administrative division as experts. The extent to which an individual implemented evidence-based practice (EBP) principles in daily practice was a significant predictor of both being an information source and being recognized as expert by peers. Friendship was a significant predictor of both information seeking and expertise-recognition connections.ConclusionThe analysis showed a communication network segregated by organizational divisions. Managers were identified frequently as information sources, even though this is not a part of their formal role. Self-perceived implementation of EBP in practice was a significant predictor of being an information source or an expert, implying a positive atmosphere towards implementation of evidence-informed decision making in this public health organization. Results also implied that the perception of accessibility and trust were significant predictors of expertise recognition.
Highlights
Evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) has been proposed and advocated as a ‘a complex, multi-disciplinary process that occurs within dynamic and ever-changing communities’, to fill the widely-recognized gap in the translation of research evidence into practice [1]
Several studies have shown that planned knowledge translation (KT) interventions which are informed by and tailored to the potential barriers and facilitators are more effective in sustainable use of research [3]
Out of 25 and 23 managers and professional consultants who participated in the survey, 15 and 13 answered all of the network questions, respectively
Summary
Evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) has been proposed and advocated as a ‘a complex, multi-disciplinary process that occurs within dynamic and ever-changing communities’, to fill the widely-recognized gap in the translation of research evidence into practice [1]. Context, and system are important moderators of the knowledge translation (KT) process [2]. Several studies have shown that planned KT interventions which are informed by and tailored to the potential barriers and facilitators are more effective in sustainable use of research [3]. Many barriers work at levels beyond individual practitioners, including teams and social environments, organizations, or broader inter-organizational environments [4]. Studying the characteristics of the target organization, social norms, and preparedness for organizational change is important in developing tailored interventions to implement EIDM in health organizations
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