Engaged scholarship and research impact: integrating the doing and using of research in practice

Demonstrating impact from research has always been a key consideration in the knowledge production business. However, it can be argued that the models and frameworks available for enabling such impact to be demonstrated are poorly developed. Those that do exist are predominantly derived from a linear uni-dimensional perspective of the knowledge flow from the academy to practice. Little sustained attention has been given to the development of models and ways of working that go beyond traditional approaches to impact monitoring through impact factors and citation indices. Engaged scholarship offers a framework that has as an explicit intention, the creation of connections between researchers/universities and practitioners/health care providers.

In this paper a model is offered derived from the theory of ‘engaged scholarship’. The principles of engaged scholarship will be outlined, as well as an articulation of engaged scholarship as an approach to the co-production of knowledge. An example of a practice development and evaluation study will be offered that is consistent with the principles of engaged scholarship. The need for a strategic approach to the development of engaged scholarship will be highlighted, as well as the need for sustained partnerships between the academy and practice.