Where is critical analysis of power and positionality in knowledge translation?

Chloe Crosschild,Ismalia De Sousa,Ngoc Huynh,Eunice Bawafaa,Helen Brown

doi:10.1186/s12961-021-00726-w

Abstract

In Canada, the Eurocentric epistemological foundations of knowledge translation (KT) approaches and practices have been significantly influenced by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) KT definition. More recently, integrated knowledge translation (IKT) has emerged in part as epistemic resistance to Eurocentric discourse to critically analyse power relations between researcher and participants. Yet, despite the proliferation of IKT literature, issues of power in research relationships and strategies to equalize relationships remain largely unaddressed. In this paper, we analyse the gaps in current IKT theorizing against the backdrop of the CIHR KT definition by drawing on critical scholars, specifically those writing about standpoint theory and critical reflexivity, to advance IKT practice that worked to surface and change research-based power dynamics within the context of health research systems and policy.

Highlights

The gold standard for developing reputable healthcare research has been grounded in empiricism and Western science [1]
As emerging nursing scholars who are currently enrolled in doctoral education, we argue in this paper for critical analysis of Eurocentric epistemological foundations of existing knowledge translation (KT) approaches to contribute to evolving and expanding KT discourse and frameworks wherein power and positionally are adequately theorized within knowledge hierarchies, and voices and perspectives of research participants are incorporated into research frameworks
In our discussion that follows, we argue that the framing of key partners and stakeholders as “knowledge users” emphasizes a functional role in the uptake of research that oversimplifies the complex interactions that are inherent within research relationships imbued with power and positionality and reflect Eurocentrism and Western knowledge paradigms within dominant KT discourse

Summary

Introduction

The gold standard for developing reputable healthcare research has been grounded in empiricism and Western science [1]. As emerging nursing scholars who are currently enrolled in doctoral education, we argue in this paper for critical analysis of Eurocentric epistemological foundations of existing KT approaches to contribute to evolving and expanding KT discourse and frameworks wherein power and positionally are adequately theorized within knowledge hierarchies, and voices and perspectives of research participants are incorporated into research frameworks.

Results

Conclusion