Occupational safety and health knowledge users’ perspectives about research use

Abstract

Using research evidence in decision-making requires skill, time and resources. Our objective was to examine experiences and perspectives related to research use among occupational safety and health (OSH) knowledge users (KU). This was a qualitative study investigating how research was acquired, assessed, adapted and applied in decision-making. A purposive sample of OSH KU was invited to complete an online survey and/or participate in interviews or focus groups. Most OSH KU indicated using research evidence was important. KU reported having skills and motivation to find and evaluate research. KU also reported sharing evidence with a variety of audiences. Time and resources were consistently noted as barriers. Credibility was an overarching theme as KU wanted to use credible research and noted their own credibility relied on using research in their work. KU were creative in using research in their OSH roles. More research with a broader audience of OSH KU is needed.

Keywords:

• Knowledge transfer and exchange
• occupational safety and health
• research use
• research to practice
• evidence-based practice

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported with funds from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board RAC (#12117) and the Ministry Of Labour of Ontario. The Institute for Work & Health operates with the support of the Province of Ontario. The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario. The authors would like to thank Jane Gibson for support and input into the study design and funding application.