Objectives We examined associations between transdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and primary care and public health services integration in Brazil’s Family Health Strategy. We aimed to identify practices that facilitate service integration and evidence-based practice. Methods We collected cross-sectional data from community health workers, nurses, and physicians (n = 262). We used structural equation modeling to assess providers’ service integration and evidence-based practice engagement operationalized as latent factors. Predictors included endorsement of team meetings, access to and consultations with colleagues, familiarity with community, and previous research experience. Results Providers’ familiarity with community and team meetings positively influenced evidence-based practice engagement and service integration. More experienced providers reported more integration and engagement. Physicians reported less integration than did community health workers. Black providers reported less evidence-based practice engagement than did Pardo (mixed races) providers. After accounting for all variables, evidence-based practice engagement and service integration were moderately correlated. Conclusions Age and race of providers, transdisciplinary collaboration, and familiarity with the community are significant variables that should inform design and implementation of provider training. Promising practices that facilitate service integration in Brazil may be used in other countries.

English This article presents a five-step model for establishing participatory research reflecting the principles of collaboration between researchers and community partners. Theoretical discussion is illustrated from experience gained in the preliminary phases of an international research project on HIV/AIDS work in Brazil. The congruence with social work values is noted. French Cet article présente un modèle en cinque étapes d'établissement d'une recherche participative. Ce modèle reflète des principes de collaboration entre chercheurs et partenaires communautaires. L'expérience de la phase préparatoire d'un projet de recherche internationale en lien avec le travail se le VIH/SIDA au Brésil en illustre les fondements théoriques. La congruence avec le travail social est notée. Spanish Se presenta un modelo de cinco fases para establecer investigación participativa, modelo que refleja los principios de colaboración entre los investigardores y los miembros de la comunidad. La teoría se ilustra con la experiencia derivada de las fases preparatorias de un proyecto de investigación internacional sobre el VIH/SIDA en el Brasil. Se destaca la congruencia de tal proyecto con los valores éticos del trabajo social.