TY - JOUR
T1 - Localising and tailoring research evidence helps public health decision making
AU - van der Graaf, Peter
AU - Cheetham, Mandy
AU - McCabe, Karen
AU - Rushmer, Rosemary
PY - 2018/9
Y1 - 2018/9
N2 - Background: Published research evidence is typically not readily applicable to practice but needs to be actively mobilised. Objectives: This paper explores the mechanisms used by information professionals with a specific knowledge mobilisation role to make evidence useful for local decision making and planning of public health interventions. Methods: Data are drawn from a NIHR project that studied how, when, where and by whom published research evidence is used in commissioning and planning across two sites (one in England and one in Scotland). Data included 11 in-depth interviews with information professionals, observations at meetings and documentary analysis. Results: Published research evidence is made fit for local commissioning and planning purposes by information professionals through two mechanisms. They localise evidence (relate evidence to local context and needs) and tailor it (present actionable messages). Discussion: Knowledge mobilisation roles of information professionals are not recognised and researched. Information professionals contribute to the ‘inform’ and ‘relational’ functions of knowledge mobilisation; however, they are less involved in improving the institutional environment for sustainable knowledge sharing. Conclusion: Information professionals are instrumental in shaping what evidence enters local decision making processes. Identifying and supporting knowledge mobilisation roles within health libraries should be the focus of future research and training.
AB - Background: Published research evidence is typically not readily applicable to practice but needs to be actively mobilised. Objectives: This paper explores the mechanisms used by information professionals with a specific knowledge mobilisation role to make evidence useful for local decision making and planning of public health interventions. Methods: Data are drawn from a NIHR project that studied how, when, where and by whom published research evidence is used in commissioning and planning across two sites (one in England and one in Scotland). Data included 11 in-depth interviews with information professionals, observations at meetings and documentary analysis. Results: Published research evidence is made fit for local commissioning and planning purposes by information professionals through two mechanisms. They localise evidence (relate evidence to local context and needs) and tailor it (present actionable messages). Discussion: Knowledge mobilisation roles of information professionals are not recognised and researched. Information professionals contribute to the ‘inform’ and ‘relational’ functions of knowledge mobilisation; however, they are less involved in improving the institutional environment for sustainable knowledge sharing. Conclusion: Information professionals are instrumental in shaping what evidence enters local decision making processes. Identifying and supporting knowledge mobilisation roles within health libraries should be the focus of future research and training.
KW - evidence based practice (EBP)
KW - health information needs
KW - knowledge translation
KW - librarians
KW - public health
KW - qualitative research
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85047658416&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/hir.12219
DO - 10.1111/hir.12219
M3 - Article
C2 - 29808957
AN - SCOPUS:85047658416
VL - 35
SP - 202
EP - 212
JO - Health Information and Libraries Journal
JF - Health Information and Libraries Journal
SN - 1471-1834
IS - 3
ER -