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1 Virtual knowledge brokering

Relevant to: Research, practice
Sector: Health

Summary

In this paper the authors describe the roles of and strategies used by knowledge brokers involved in a virtual community of practice (vCoP) to guide and inform future knowledge broker interventions. The authors used a thematic content analysis to analyse online postings of four knowledge brokers in the vCoP, which was developed for physiotherapists to improve evidence-based management of children with motor coordination problems. None of the posts from other participants in the vCOP were analysed. The authors focused on the roles played by the knowledge brokers in the vCoP, the activities performed to enact these roles, evolution of the roles over the course of the study, and the brokering strategies used.

The authors identified three primary roles for the knowledge brokers: context architects, promoters of knowledge sharing, and linkage creators. The authors noted that the role of context architect has had limited discussion in knowledge brokering literature, but is of particular relevance to online or virtual knowledge sharing platforms where maintaining a positive environment is critical to continued participation and contribution of its members. The authors suggest that the role of knowledge brokers as context architects, both in virtual and non-virtual environments, requires further investigation.

This summary was developed from the following paper:

Hurtubise K., Rivard P.T., Heguy L., Berbari J., and Camden C. (2016) Virtual knowledge brokering: Describing the roles and strategies used by knowledge brokers in a pediatric physiotherapy virtual community of practice. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions 36(3): 186-194.