Profiling knowledge brokers in the rehabilitation sector across Canada: A descriptive study
Corresponding Author
Dina Gaid BSc. (PT), MSc., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Correspondence
Gaid Dina BSc. (PT)., MSc., PhD, McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), D39, 3654 Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5 Canada.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorSara Ahmed PT., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAliki Thomas OT (C)., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAndré Bussières DC., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Dina Gaid BSc. (PT), MSc., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Correspondence
Gaid Dina BSc. (PT)., MSc., PhD, McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), D39, 3654 Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5 Canada.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorSara Ahmed PT., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAliki Thomas OT (C)., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAndré Bussières DC., PhD
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Montreal, Québec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorFunding information: McGill University; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation
Abstract
Rationale
Knowledge brokers (KBs) can help promote the uptake of the latest research evidence into clinical practice. Little is known about who they are, the types of roles they perform, and the training they receive. Establishing a portrait of Canadian KBs working in the rehabilitation sector may inform health care organizations and knowledge translation specialists on how best to advance KBs practices. The overall goal was to describe the profile of KBs working to promote the uptake of evidence within rehabilitation settings in Canada. Specifically, this study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and professional characteristics, work activities, and training of KBs.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was administered to KBs working in rehabilitation settings across Canada. The survey included 20 questions covering sociodemographic and professional characteristics, work activities, and training opportunities. Response frequency and percentage were calculated for all categorical variables, and the weighted average (WA) for each role was calculated across participants. Descriptive analysis was conducted for all open-ended questions.
Results
Of 475 participants accessing the website, 198 completed the survey questionnaire, including 99 clinicians, 35 researchers, and 26 managers. While over two-thirds of respondents had completed a graduate degree, only 38% reported receiving KBs-related training. The respondents' primary roles corresponded to a linking agent (WA = 1.84), followed by capacity builder (WA = 1.76), information manager (WA = 1.71), facilitator (WA = 1.41), and evaluator (WA = 1.32).
Conclusions
KBs are mostly expert clinicians who tend to perform brokering activities part-time targeting their peers. Participants mostly perform the linking agent, capacity builder, and information roles. Moreover, only a few participants received formal training to perform brokering activities.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
Data available on request due to privacy/ethical restrictions.
Supporting Information
| Filename | Description |
|---|---|
| jep13621-sup-0001-Supinfo.docxWord 2007 document , 31.1 KB | Appendix S1. Supporting information |
| jep13621-sup-0002-VideoS1.mp4MPEG-4 video, 7.5 MB | Video S1 |
| jep13621-sup-0003-VideoS2.mp4MPEG-4 video, 6.8 MB | Video S2 |
Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
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