Public Health Research & Practice (Feb 2017)

The use of secondments as a tool to increase knowledge translation

  • Lily O'Donoughue Jenkins,
  • Kaarin J Anstey

DOI
https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp2711708
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27, no. 1

Abstract

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This paper discusses the use of secondments as a tool to increase knowledge translation between academics and policy makers by developing individual capacity. A case study is presented of a reciprocal secondment between a government department and a university. Enablers of knowledge translation included flexibility and support, a prior relationship between the two organisations, and a government culture that values use of research in policy making. Barriers included the lack of a planned approach with agreed outcomes, and a lack of evaluation at the end of the secondment. Recommendations for future secondments include establishing ongoing secondments between organisations; trialling different types of secondments; and having a detailed plan at the beginning of a secondment, including how the success of the secondment will be measured, and a formal evaluation at the end.

Keywords