Contextualising knowledge translation in nursing homes: A transdisciplinary online workshop

Abstract

Few studies describe workshops as a method for obtaining and integrating diverse participant perspectives for contextualisation. This article describes an online workshop as a transdisciplinary data collection method for contextualising theoretical elements of a framework for knowledge translation to improve wound care in South African nursing homes. Knowledge translation can be more effective when the theoretical components are contextualised and aligned with the specific needs in the context. The online workshop was conducted with 10 participants involved with wound care and change processes in nursing homes across South Africa. The participants consisted of healthcare professionals, family members of those in care and nursing home management staff. Participatory design principles were applied during the online workshop, which was hosted on BlackBoard Collaborate^TM Ultra. In this qualitative study, live polls, facilitated discussion, virtual whiteboard posts, and breakaway activities were used to collect the data. The data were analysed and integrated using both deductive and inductive processes for a comprehensive understanding. The workshop enabled the researchers to ascertain integrated perspectives to contextualise the knowledge translation framework’s elements. Barriers to evidence-based wound care in nursing homes and nine values for dignified care for older persons were identified.

Transdisciplinary contribution: This article shows how an online workshop was conducted with a group of participants from various healthcare disciplines, family members and institutional management to achieve a contextualised and pragmatic description of theoretical elements. Contextualisation aims to enhance the effectiveness of a knowledge translation framework for use in nursing homes.