Understanding Information Flow Within an Evidence-Based Policy Implementation Support Initiative: A Social Network Perspective

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Division L Section 9 Poster Session

Abstract

This paper reports on a mixed methods study that took a social network approach to understanding how knowledge is mobilized in support of developing evidence-based school mental health policy in Ontario. The findings indicate that the general information network was more cohesive than either the research or data networks, thus better suited to mobilizing knowledge. Interviews revealed that participants perceived the formal program events (i.e., professional development days) to be their main access point to research-based knowledge, whereas data was rarely brought up in relation to their work with the program. Information seeking outside of formal program events focuses on collecting general information that helped participants make sense of school mental health policy-making processes and program selection.

Author

• Joelle Rodway Macri, University of Toronto