The Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit (MSSU) Bridge Process: An Integrated Knowledge Translation Approach to Address Priority Health Issues and Increase Collaborative Research in Nova Scotia, Canada

Background: There is evidence of the benefits integrated knowledge translation (IKT), yet there limited research outlining purpose a broker (KB) within this approach. The Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit (MSSU) acts as KB to support patient-oriented across provinces in Canada. "Bridge Process" was developed by Nova Scotia (NS) site strategy that involves work leading up and following Bridge Event. process supports addressing priority health topics discussed at event stakeholder groups. objectives paper were (1) describe outputs/outcomes IKT approach; (2) examine role KB. Methods: Quantitative data collected from registration evaluation surveys. Outputs are described with descriptive statistics. Qualitative through surveys internal documents. Data related tasks categorized into three domains: Knowledge Manager, Linkage Exchange Agent, (3) Capacity Developer. Results: Process implemented four times. A total 314 participants including government, health, patient/citizen, community, personnel attended events. We identified 24 topics, 7 led teams receiving complete projects. Participants reported improved understanding gaps policy needs engaged individuals they would not have otherwise. Although patients/citizens each Event, only 61% who completed an survey indicated ‘actively group discussion.’ KB’s all domains Manager (eg, defining questions), Agent engaging stakeholders), Builder interpretation). Conclusion: MSSU facilitated approach acting throughout Process. This deliberative sequential served effective increase collaborative province.