The use of research evidence in blood collection policy and practice: a qualitative study with front- line staff, middle managers, and senior managers

Background There is a known disconnect between scientific knowledge and its application in routine practice, known as the research-practice gap. A potential strategy to encourage research engagement among end-users is embedding researchers within an organisation. This study set out to understand the views and experiences of senior managers, middle managers, and front-line staff in one department accessing and using research in a large organisation with embedded researchers. We also investigated staff capacity to engage with research to identify opportunities to strengthen the use of research-based evidence in practice. Methods We conducted 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews between November 2022 and April 2023 with senior managers, middle managers, and front-line staff working in the blood collection department at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Directed qualitative content analysis and the SPIRIT Action Framework were used to interpret the data. Results Capacity to engage with and use research varied greatly between participants and appeared to be affected by their role, training, and prior work experience. Participants valued research highly. However, only a few felt confident in their knowledge and skills to engage with research. Participants described a lack of visibility of research within the organisation as well as systems and structures to access research. Experiences with accessing research, generating research, and interacting with researchers were mostly limited to senior managers. Research was chiefly used by senior managers to support changes, followed by understanding blood collection issues, and informing policy development. Although present, research use was often not visible to front-line staff. Conclusions To increase research engagement and use, organisations should invest in strengthening their tools and systems, providing opportunities to increase individual knowledge and skills to engage with research, and increase the visibility of research and how it has been used.