From dissemination to engagement: learning over time from a national research intermediary centre (Four Fs) (21 October 2021)

Summary

There has been little applied learning from organisations engaged in making evidence useful for decision makers. More focus has been given either to the work of individuals as knowledge brokers or to theoretical frameworks on embedding evidence. More intelligence is needed on the practice of knowledge intermediation.

This paper from Tara Lamont and Elaine Maxwell describes the evolution of approaches by one UK Centre to promote and embed evidence in health and care services.

Content

Key messages

• There is little shared learning on the practice of evidence use by knowledge intermediaries.
• Our account of a national evidence centre for health decision makers shows the shift towards more engaged and embedded approaches.
• We identify four central activities – filter, forge, fuse and fulfil – and how they evolved over time.
• We note the value of sustained engagement with stakeholders in shaping new evidence narratives relevant to practice.