Exploring the evidence base for Communities of Practice in health research and translation: a scoping review

Health Research Policy and Systems

Review

Cate Nagle¹  Janelle James-McAlpine²  Sarah Larkins³ 

[1] College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, 4811, Townsville, QLD, Australia;Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, 4811, Townsville, QLD, Australia;College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, 4811, Townsville, QLD, Australia;College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, 4811, Townsville, QLD, Australia;Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, 4811, Townsville, QLD, Australia;College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, 4811, Townsville, QLD, Australia;Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, 4811, Townsville, QLD, Australia;

关键词: Community of practice;    Community of interest;    Health research;    Research translation;    Knowledge transfer;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12961-023-01000-x

 received in 2022-06-06, accepted in 2023-05-12,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe translation of research into healthcare practice relies on effective communication between disciplines, however strategies to address the gap between information sharing and knowledge transfer are still under exploration. Communities of Practice (CoP) are informal networks of stakeholders with shared knowledge or endeavour and present an opportunity to address this gap beyond disciplinary boundaries. However, the evidence-base supporting their development, implementation and efficacy in health is not well described. This review explores the evidence underpinning the use of CoP in health research and translation.MethodsA scoping review was undertaken using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. A comprehensive search of health databases and grey literature was performed using keywords and controlled vocabulary. Studies were not restricted by date or research method.ResultsA total of 1355 potentially relevant articles were identified through the global search strategy. Following screening, six articles were retained for analysis. Included studies were published between 2002 and 2013 in the United Kingdom (n = 3), Canada (n = 2) and Italy (n = 1). Three papers reported primary research; one used a quantitative methodology, one a qualitative, and one a descriptive evaluation approach. The three remaining papers explored seminal and evolving theories of CoP in the context of knowledge transfer and translation to the health sector.ConclusionsA paucity of evidence exists regarding the development and efficacy of CoP in health research and translation. Further empirical research is required to determine if communities of practice can enhance the translation of research into clinical practice.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Crown 2023

【 图 表 】

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Fig. 2