Did you have an impact? A theory-based method for planning and evaluating knowledge-transfer and exchange activities in occupational health and safety

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2013;19(1):41-62. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2013.11076965.

Abstract

Few evaluation tools are available to assess knowledge-transfer and exchange interventions. The objective of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a theory-based knowledge-transfer and exchange method of evaluation (KEME) that synthesizes 3 theoretical frameworks: the promoting action on research implementation of health services (PARiHS) model, the transtheoretical model of change, and a model of knowledge use. It proposes a new term, keme, to mean a unit of evidence-based transferable knowledge. The usefulness of the evaluation method is demonstrated with 4 occupational health and safety knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) implementation case studies that are based upon the analysis of over 50 pre-existing interviews. The usefulness of the evaluation model has enabled us to better understand stakeholder feedback, frame our interpretation, and perform a more comprehensive evaluation of the knowledge use outcomes of our KTE efforts.

MeSH terms

  • Construction Industry
  • Diffusion of Innovation
  • Ergonomics
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Industry
  • Information Theory*
  • Knowledge
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Occupational Health*
  • Power Plants
  • Program Evaluation*