Knowledge translation and improving practices in neurological rehabilitation: managers' viewpoint

Area of Science:

• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Healthcare Management
• Knowledge Transfer

Background:

• Limited research exists on the role of managers in knowledge transfer within neurological rehabilitation.
• Managers are key stakeholders in healthcare systems, influencing practice improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the significance of knowledge transfer and practice improvement from the perspective of neurological rehabilitation program managers.
• To understand managers' perceived roles and challenges in facilitating knowledge transfer.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory qualitative research design.
• Three case studies involving semi-structured interviews with neurological rehabilitation program managers.
• In-depth analysis of transcribed interview data.

Main Results:

• Managers acknowledge the importance of knowledge transfer but often deprioritize it due to competing responsibilities.
• Managers perceive their roles as coaches, facilitators, motivators, organizers, guides, and ambassadors.
• Managers prefer a more proactive and structured approach to knowledge transfer, moving beyond reactive measures.

Conclusions:

• A lack of organizational structure hinders uniform knowledge translation among clinicians in neurological rehabilitation.
• Managers aspire to implement more structured approaches for knowledge transfer in the future.
• There is a recognized need for enhanced organizational support to foster consistent knowledge sharing.