[Knowledge brokering: definition and application based on a review of the literature].

Introduction: Health promotion actions must now be evidence-based. This new approach raises a number of problems, essentially related to the poor relationships between researchers and field professionals. To deal with this issue, other countries have used a new concept called “knowledge brokering”.This study had two objectives: to stabilize concepts by looking for the various definitions of “knowledge brokering”, and to identify factors facilitating or limiting application of this concept.Methods: This study was based on a literature review with analysis of “grey literature”. Two different frameworks were used to analyse data: one to characterize definitions, and the other to analyze experience, focussing on factors facilitating or limiting the use of knowledge brokering.Results: Many definitions were found, but 3 major elements were identified to define knowledge brokering: the definition of knowledge producers and knowledge users; the relationship between the two; and the use of evidence. Three facilitators were found: creation of links and communication, the broker’s qualities and the institution in which he works.Conclusion: This study helped to define the concept of knowledge brokering in health promotion and paved the way for possible development of this concept in France.