Translating healthcare research evidence into practice: The role of linked boundary objects. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Melo, Sara; Bishop, Simon
• Is Part Of: Social science & medicine. Volume 246(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Portugal -- Boundary objects -- Linked boundary objects -- Knowledge translation -- Implementation research -- Interprofessional coordination -- Hospital -- Case study; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine sociale -- Périodiques; Anthropologie médicale -- Périodiques; Santé publique -- Périodiques; Psychologie -- Périodiques; Médecine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112731
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-9536

Abstract

Abstract: Recent years have seen widespread interest in the process of evidence implementation and growth of implementation science. Whilst this work has drawn attention to the challenges and complexities of implementing evidence into everyday practice, for the most part, studies of implementation uphold the ideal of a linear 'pipeline' between research and front-line care. In contrast, this paper adopts a practice perspective on knowledge, and draws on science and technology studies concepts to identify how the socio-material environment contributes to the translation of evidence across multiple organisational and professional boundaries. Findings report on a qualitative case study of implementing fall prevention research evidence at a large teaching hospital in Portugal. Data is from forty-six in-depth semi-structured interviews with clinical and non-clinical staff. The case highlights how linked boundary objects bridge temporally sequential boundaries between research and different practice communities, hence facilitating the translation of research evidence into everyday practice. The initial boundary object (the 'Morse' fall risk assessment scale) contributed to evidence being taken up by specialist nurses within the hospital, while a second boundary object (a pink patient wristband) engendered a change in practice of a wider network of actors. Nevertheless, the symbolic connection between the two linked boundary objects remained precarious, dependent on networks of interaction and communication. The study highlights the role of material objects in the ongoing translation of research evidence into everyday clinical practice. Highlights: Brings insights of science and technology studies to implementation science. Suggests the role of linked boundary objects in knowledge translation. Linked boundary objects allow collaboration between non-intersecting communities. Demonstrates the relationship between social relations and material forms. Presents evidence on the implementation of falls prevention evidence.