Fostering Interactions: The Networking Needs of Community Health Nursing Researchers and Decision Makers

Anita Kothari, The University of Western Ontario
Nancy Edwards, University of Ottawa
Susan Brajtman, University of Ottawa
Barbara Campbell, University of Prince Edward Island
Nadia Hamel, University of Ottawa
Frances Legault, University of Ottawa
Judy Mill, University of Alberta
Ruta Valaitis, McMaster University

Abstract

The purpose of the study on which this article is based was to determine the current extent of linkages among Canadian community health nursing researchers and decision makers and to identify perceptions around the structure and function of potential networks. A qualitative research design was utilised to develop common themes across focus groups, a workshop and key informant interviews. The findings suggest that there is a need for a formal community health network to provide an efficient and timely means to link the expertise required to tackle complex community health policy problems, and to create supports for advancing community health science with relevant and high quality research.