A model for evaluating knowledge exchange in a network context.

There is growing interest in the use of networks to facilitate the exchange and transfer of knowledge in health-care settings. The province of Ontario's Seniors Health Research Transfer Network (SHRTN) brings together caregivers, policymakers, and researchers working in the area of seniors' health to share knowledge derived from research and best practices. As part of an evaluation of SHRTN, the authors developed a model for assessing the effectiveness of knowledge exchange activities in a network context. The model considers the key elements of successful application of research evidence proposed in the Promoting Action on Research in Health Services (PARiHS) framework, as well as the results of these efforts, at 3 levels of network functioning. This model was used in a test of SHRTN's effectiveness as a knowledge exchange system. The results suggest that the framework has potential as a guide for evaluating other knowledge networks.