The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) launched the Knowledge Broker Mentoring Program in 2014 to advance the uptake and use of evidence-informed decision making in Canada within the public health sector. It combines in-person and online support to train public health practitioners to develop knowledge and capacity in the theory and practice of evidence-informed decision making.

The field of public health is continuously evolving. The Knowledge Broker Mentoring Program helps public health professionals develop the knowledge and skills they need to integrate the best available evidence into practice: evidence-informed decision making. Evidence-informed decision making not only results in increased transparency and accountability, it also provides a basis for informed decision making, particularly during times of uncertainty and fiscal restraint.

Focus Groups: Senior management from each public health organization participate in a facilitated two-hour focus group to assess their organization’s capacity for evidence-informed decision making using the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement’s tool, Is Research Working for You?. This reliable and valid self-assessment tool is designed for health services management and policy organizations. Following the assessment, all managers participate in a one-hour Introduction to evidence-informed decision making information session. 

Knowledge Broker Candidate Selection: A senior manager from each public health organization is chosen to oversee the project for their organization. Six staff from each organization are chosen or volunteer to participate in the program. Participants include staff from different positions, disciplines and educational backgrounds, such as epidemiologists, program evaluators, librarians, public health nurses, research analysts and environmental health and infectious disease specialists.

Pre-program Information Sessions: Approximately one month before the mentoring program begins, all managers participate in a teleconference and the participants take part in a webinar. The purpose of these sessions is to introduce the mentoring program and review the goals, objectives and expectations of the program.

In-person training: Staff are trained as knowledge brokers to champion evidence-informed decision making at their organization. Face-to-face workshops are held in Hamilton, Ontario, at the beginning of the training program and at the three- and 12-month points of the mentoring program phase. These workshops include course readings, lectures by experts in evidence-informed decision making and individual and group critical appraisal practice. We are currently exploring the possibility of integrating online training options into our program in order to meet our commitment to working with public health practitioners across Canada.

Monthly webinars: Staff participate in 90-minute webinars on a monthly basis. NCCMT mentors lead these webinars to provide participants with an opportunity to discuss their activities, successes and challenges. Each webinar also features critical appraisal practice.