ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to understand the barriers and facilitators in brokering knowledge brokering knowledge to help injured workers make informed decisions about recovery and to support their transitions to return to work (RTW). PARTICIPANTS: Perceptions of 63 Injured Worker Groups (IWGs) and 43 Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in facilitating and brokering knowledge were examined. METHODS: Critical theory and participatory action research approaches informed the development of a multi-stakeholder research team and the study design to support an exploration into knowledge exchange and transfer. Data was analyzed using a critical occupational perspective to reveal the source of barriers and to identify the facilitators of the knowledge exchange and transfer process. RESULTS: Barriers in transferring knowledge included system barriers, a lack of information accessibility, and problems with variations in injured worker capacity and experience using information. IWG and HCP participants lacked expertise in knowledge transfer. Findings also revealed the interactive knowledge transfer processes that IWGs and HCPs use to help injured workers understand and use information. CONCLUSIONS: Change is required to improve knowledge exchange and transfer of information for and to persons with injuries and disabilities. Suggested changes include the development of a sustainable knowledge transfer community of practice, a best practice guide for knowledge brokers such as IWGs and HCPs, and a process for ongoing assessment and evaluation of injured worker information needs and preferences.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational , Decision Making , Disabled Persons/psychology , Disabled Persons/rehabilitation , Professional-Patient Relations , Workers' Compensation/organization & administration , Access to Information , Employment , Evidence-Based Medicine , Female , Focus Groups , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Personnel , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Information Dissemination , Information Seeking Behavior , Interviews as Topic , Male , Ontario , Qualitative Research , Social SupportABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Historically the supports available to help injured workers transition back to pre-injury jobs focused primarily on the medical treatment of the injury and modifications in the workplace. However, for many injured workers, with chronic disabilities, the need for support extends to learning to live with newly exposed disabilities, managing changes within family and social life as well as meeting new expectations in claims and health management. Supports that many injured workers require to resume employment are not adequately addressed. OBJECTIVE: A critical social perspective was used to engage a partnership with injured worker group members in the design, implementation and evaluation of injured worker needs to promote social change. This paper reflects a program of research established in partnership with the Canadian Injured Worker Alliance to develop and examine a conceptual framework of supports for use in meeting the transitional needs of injured workers with chronic disabilities. Occupational and educational perspectives were used to develop a conceptual framework comprised of 8 dimensions of support. METHOD: A regional needs assessment using multi-methods, including surveys, interviews and focus groups, was conducted in British Columbia (BC). Priorities of three stakeholder groups were mapped to the 8 dimensions of support. This conceptual framework was also tested nationally to evaluate the distribution of supports that exist and identify further needs for support to help injured workers manage multiple transitions. FINDINGS: Access to the range of supports that injured workers need in transitioning to and from work is inconsistent and inequitable across Canada. CONCLUSION: Collaborative approaches and a broader spectrum of resources and supports are needed to help injured workers and their families in resuming meaningful participation in daily, social and productive occupations.
