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Knowledge to Action?
Abstract
Health services can and should be improved by applying research findings about best practice. This book explores why it proves notoriously difficult to implement change based on research evidence in the face of strong professional views and complex organizational structures. It draws on a large body of evidence acquired in the course of nearly fifty case studies using data from 1,400 interviews with doctors, nurses, and managers, as well as observations and documentary analysis. Using qualitative methods to study hospital and primary care settings, the book aims to shed light on why attempts to introduce evidence-based practice in the UK NHS succeeded in some cases where in others it faltered. By opening up the intricacies and complexities of change in the NHS, it reveals the limitations of simplistic approaches to implementing research or introducing evidence-based health care. The book provides an analysis rooted in a range of theoretical perspectives that underlines the intimate links between organizational structures and cultures and the utilization of knowledge, and draws conclusions significant for other areas of public management. The findings have implications for the utilization of knowledge in situations where there is a professional tradition working within a politically sensitive blend of public service, managerial accountability, and technical expertise.
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“Previous research indicates that where there is strong research with clinical consensus it is more likely to be used in practice [31].”
From The role of evidence, context, and facilitation in an implementation trial: implications for the development of the PARIHS framework (2013) · cites this paper as [31]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Dopson, S., & Fitzgerald, L.
- Venue
- Oxford University Press eBooks
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Published
- 2005-05-12
- OpenAlex
- W2484783149
- Cited by
- 161
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 13
- FWCI
- 13.41
- Type
- book
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Oxford University Press eBooks (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Policy Implementation Science
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Sciences Research and Education
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Services Management and Policy
- Keywords
- evidence-based practice, knowledge application, evidence-based practice implementation, health care reform, organizational culture, organizational structure, professional tradition, National Health Service, hospital management, primary care, managerial accountability, public sector management, knowledge management
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