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The who, what, where, when and why of engaging with policymakers: A critical reflection
Author(s) -
Ingram Kelsey
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1002/hpja.661
Subject(s) - public relations , value (mathematics) , knowledge translation , qualitative research , narrative , political science , sociology , engineering ethics , knowledge management , social science , engineering , linguistics , philosophy , machine learning , computer science
Abstract Improving relationships between researchers and policymakers is one element of knowledge mobilisation that has proven to increase the translation of research into policy. However, researchers report they find it difficult to engage policymakers with research. In this article, a personal narrative approach was used to analyse my experience, as a PhD candidate, when engaging policymakers to participate in a qualitative research study. A total of 93 contacts were made in an attempt to recruit policymakers; these contacts consisted of both policymakers and knowledge brokers. The experience of contacting and engaging with policymakers identified barriers other researchers may experience and offers enablers to assist when engaging policymakers. This reflective approach resulted in the development of the five following themes: who you know, what ifs, when is it enough, where is the research going and why value is important. These five themes can act as a guide for researchers when preparing to engage policymakers into research.