The evolution of multiagency partnerships for safety over the course of research engagement: experiences from the NoGAPS project

Abstract

ObjectiveImplementation of effective population-level injury prevention interventions requires broad multiagency partnerships. Different stakeholders address this from varying perspectives, and potential conflicts in priorities need to be addressed for such partnerships to be effective. The researcher-led National Guidance for Australian football Partnerships and Safety (NoGAPS) project involved the engagement and participation of seven non-academic partners, including government health promotion and safety agencies; peak sports professional and advocacy bodies and health insurance organisations.DesignThe partnership's ongoing development was assessed by each partner completing the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Partnership Analysis Tool (VPAT) annually over 2011–2015. Changes in VPAT scores were compared through repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsOverall, mean total VPAT scores increased significantly over the 5-year period (125.1–141.2; F5,30=4.61, p=0.003), showing a significant improvement in how the partnership was functioning over time. This was largely driven by significant increases in several VPAT domains: ‘determining the need for a partnership’ (F5,30=4.15, p=0.006), ‘making sure the partnership works’ (F5,30=2.59, p=0.046), ‘planning collaborative action’ (F5,30=5.13, p=0.002) and ‘minimising the barriers to the partnership’ (F5,30=6.66, p<0.001).ConclusionThis is the first study to assess the functioning of a multiagency partnership to address sport injury prevention implementation. For NoGAPS, the engagement of stakeholders from the outset facilitated the development of new and/or stronger links between non-academic partners. Partners shared the common goal of ensuring the real-world uptake of interventions and research evidence-informed recommendations. Effective multiagency partnerships have the potential to influence the implementation of policies and practices beyond the life of a research project.

The translation of sports injury prevention and safety promotion knowledge: insights from key intermediary organisations

“…Whilst the findings of this qualitative study cannot be generalised to wider populations, it is suggested that the experiences of these participants will resonate with other organisations responsible for interpreting research and developing and disseminating resources to assist in the knowledge translation process. Notwithstanding these limitations, and as described elsewhere [14], there was significant consultation with, and recognition of this research by, the NoGAPS organisations.…”

“…Only six organisations were included in this research; however, these organisations have previously been recognised as key stakeholders in sports injury prevention and safety promotion in Australia [13, 14]. Therefore, the NoGAPS organisations are considered broadly representative of similar organisations that have briefs/action portfolios relating to sports injury prevention and safety promotion beyond that of the NoGAPS project focus.…”

“…Therefore, the NoGAPS organisations are considered broadly representative of similar organisations that have briefs/action portfolios relating to sports injury prevention and safety promotion beyond that of the NoGAPS project focus. Participants’ demographic data was not collected, as this study was conceptualised as a sub-study under the inclusion criteria and assumptions of the larger NoGAPS partnership project [14]. Whilst the findings of this qualitative study cannot be generalised to wider populations, it is suggested that the experiences of these participants will resonate with other organisations responsible for interpreting research and developing and disseminating resources to assist in the knowledge translation process.…”

“…This study was designed under the banner of the National Guidance for Australian Football Partnerships and Safety (NoGAPS) project [13], and informed by its assumptions and evolution [14]. The NoGAPS partnership organisations were the (1) Australian Football League, (2) Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, (3) New South Wales Sporting Injuries Committee, (4) JLT Sport as a division of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Australia Pty Ltd., (5) Sport and Recreation Victoria, and (6) Sports Medicine Australia.…”

“…The participants in this study were the self-nominated representatives of the NoGAPS partnership project organisations – as per the original NoGAPS project [14]. The representatives were initially informed of this particular study at a face-to-face NoGAPS whole-of-partnership management meeting in 2013, at which the lead researcher presented this proposed study.…”