Universities Scotland

BackgroundKnowledge and innovation transfer (KIT) is recognised internationally as a complex, dynamic process that is difficult to embed in organisations. There is growing use of health service–academic–industry collaborations in the UK, with knowledge brokers linking producers with the users of knowledge and innovation.AimFocusing on KIT ‘agent’ roles within Academic Health Science Networks in England and Partnerships in Wales, we show how individual dispositions, processes and content contribute to desired outcomes.MethodsWe studied the KIT intentions of all Academic Health Science Networks in England, and the South East Wales Academic Health Science Partnership. Using a qualitative case study design, we studied the work of 13 KIT agents purposively sampled from five networks, by collecting data from observation of meetings, documentation, KIT agent audio-diaries, and semistructured interviews with KIT agents, their line managers and those they supported (‘Links’). We also used a consensus method in a meeting of experts (nominal group technique) to discuss the measurement of outcomes of KIT agent activity.FindingsThe case study KIT agents were predominantly from a clinical background with differing levels of experience and expertise, with the shared aim of improving services and patient care. Although outside of recognised career structures, the flexibility afforded to KIT agents to define their role was an enabler of success. Other helpful factors included (1) time and resources to devote to KIT activity; (2) line manager support and a team to assist in the work; and (3) access and the means to use data for improvement projects. The organisational and political context could be challenging. KIT agents not only tackled local barriers such as siloed working, but also navigated shifting regional and national policies. Board-level support for knowledge mobilisation together with a culture of reflection (listening to front-line staff), openness to challenges and receptivity to research all enabled KIT agents to achieve desired outcomes. Nominal group findings underscored the importance of relating measures to specific intended outcomes. However, the case studies highlighted that few measures were employed by KIT agents and their managers. Using social marketing theory helped to show linkages between processes, outcomes and impact, and drew attention to how KIT agents developed insight into their clients’ needs and tailored work accordingly.LimitationsLevel of KIT agent participation varied; line managers and Links were interviewed only once; and outcomes were self-reported.ConclusionsSocial marketing theory provided a framework for analysing KIT agent activity. The preparatory work KIT agents do in listening, understanding local context and building relationships enabled them to develop ‘insight’ and adapt their ‘offer’ to clients to achieve desired outcomes.Future workThe complexity of the role and the environment in which it is played out justifies more research on KIT agents. Suggestions include (1) longitudinal study of career pathways; (2) how roles are negotiated within teams and how competing priorities are managed; (3) how success is measured; (4) the place of improvement methodologies within KIT work; (5) the application of social marketing theory to comparative study of similar roles; and (6) patients as KIT agents.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

ABSTRACTThis article deals with the topic of the bagpipe in Romantic Scotland. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the bagpipe was described by many authors, such as Thomas Pennant and Sir Walter Scott, as deriving from northern European countries, and generally as an instrument typifying notions of the Romantic North. Added to this connotation there also emerges a trait which connects the bagpipe to Ossianic atmospheres: according to authors such as John Leyden and John Wilson, and artists such as J. M. W. Turner, the bagpipe is the perfect instrument to evoke the feelings of Macpherson’s Fragments. Both the notions of the bagpipe’s original “northernness” and its connection with Ossian are erroneous; in my article I discuss the reasons for the emergence of this association and imagery during the Romantic era.

Tara Lamont and colleagues discuss how researchers can help service leaders to evaluate rapidly changing models of care, with a range of approaches depending on needs and resources

Voices narrate their views on skills, transferable skills, marginalisation and poverty in relation to society, opportunity and drug addiction. Narcotic addicts need to educate themselves on where to source and buy drugs and how to go about raising enough money to buy substances such as heroin. Drug dependents need to be knowledgeable, determined, and resourceful to sustain their addiction. They need large amounts of money to feed their habit and will generally get this through illegal and anti-social activities. They lead dangerous lives on the margins of society. This arts practice-led research paper investigates questions around dependency and the possibility of addicts learning skills from being addicted. Using qualitative research data gathered through socially-engaged artists methods, the paper considers whether the skills in evidence amongst drug addicts (such as injecting skills, drug dealing, money-making skills and negotiating skills) have the potential to be transferable and used in ways that would benefit both the dependent and society. The paper explores the notion that drug workers and society should consider the potential of dependents transferable skills in aiding the health and wellbeing of addicts. Paulo Frieres theories around the Pedagogy of the Oppressed through problem solving education and dialogical discussion are applied to the skills created as a result of being addicted. The methods, process, and discourse used by Suzanne Lacy in her collaborative public art works resonate with the research in considering the arts as a beneficial way of creating dialogue between dependents and society. The artist as social researcher follows the journey of the opiate dependent through deprived areas of Glasgow, interviewing dependents, drug workers and social workers, while reflecting on the relationship of the environment and poverty to drug dependents and their skills.

An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. As you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.