ABSTRACT
The use of metaphors as a way of simplifying complex concepts, including research findings, is discussed in Chapter 2. A windmill metaphor is used to make sense of the findings from the foundational research project in a way that bundles together the fullness of details, making them clearer and more manageable while also allowing the reader to make sense of their own experiences of interactions with parents, patients, families, colleagues, and others. The chapter describes how a water-pumping windmill works and explains the overall fit between windmills and exemplary interaction. An overview of each component of the windmill metaphor and associated facets introduces the reader to the overall metaphor. The chapter emphasizes that each component is essential but insufficient in and of itself to achieve exemplary interaction and that all must work together as a “whole.” The last section describes the use of the windmill metaphor for knowledge translation.
