After the crash: research-based theater for knowledge transfer.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this project was to develop and evaluate a research-based dramatic production for the purpose of transferring knowledge about traumatic brain injury (TBI) to health care professionals, managers, and decision makers.


METHODS
Using results drawn from six focus group discussions with key stakeholders (consumers, informal caregivers, and health care practitioners experienced in the field of TBI) and relevant scientific literature, a 50-minute play was produced for the purpose of conveying the experiences of TBI survivors, informal care providers, and health practitioners and best practice for TBI care. A self-administered postperformance survey was distributed to audience members at the end of four performances in Ontario, Canada, to evaluate the play's efficacy. Two hundred ninety-one questionnaires were completed. The questionnaire had five questions scored on a 5-item Likert scale with space for open-ended comments.


RESULTS
Consistently high mean scores from the questionnaires indicate that theater is a highly efficacious and engaging method of knowledge transfer, particularly for complex material that deals with human emotion and interpersonal relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
Responses supported the effectiveness of drama as a knowledge translation strategy and identified its potential to impact practice positively.
Colantonio
Angela
A
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and University of Toronto, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Toronto, Canada. angela.colantonio@utoronto.ca
Kontos
Pia C
PC
Gilbert
Julie E
JE
Rossiter
Kate
K
Gray
Julia
J
Keightley
Michelle L
ML
D001930:Brain Injuries; D004324:Drama; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*