Barriers and facilitators of clinician and researcher collaborations: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background The poor translation of research findings into routine clinical practice is common in all areas of healthcare. Having a better understanding of how researchers and clinicians experience engagement in and with research, their working relationships and expectations of each other, may be one way to help to facilitate collaborative partnerships and therefore increase successful translation of research into clinical practice. Aims To explore the views of clinical and research staff about their experiences of working together during research projects and identify the facilitators and barriers. Methods We conducted four focus groups with 18 participants - clinicians, researchers and those with a dual clinical-research role, recruited from one mental health Trust and one university. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Eight themes were identified under the headings of two research questions 1) Barriers and facilitators of either engaging in or with research from the perspective of clinical staff, with themes of understanding the benefits of the research; perceived knowledge and personal qualities of researchers; lack of time and organisational support to be involved in and implement research; and lack of feedback about progress and outcome of research. 2) Barriers and facilitators for engaging with clinicians when conducting research, from the perspective of researchers, with themes of understanding what clinicians need to know and how they need to feel to engage with research; demonstrating an understanding of the clinician’s world; navigating through the clinical world; and demands of the researcher role. Conclusion There was agreement between clinicians and researchers about the barriers and facilitators for engaging clinicians in research. Both groups identified that it was the researcher’s responsibility to form and maintain good working relationships. Better support for researchers in their role calls for training in communication skills and bespoke training to understand the local context in which research is taking place.

Using knowledge brokering activities to promote allied health clinicians’ engagement in research: a qualitative exploration

“… 9 24 They helped to clarify the research process in the local context, making it clinically relevant and personally meaningful. 5 …”

“…They aligned clinicians’ willingness to learn with specific research tasks. 5 7 28 Further, they recognised that when this learning was individualised and contextualised in a local research project, it was more meaningful. 38 It is also consistent with other studies that have shown that when individuals view research as important to being a professional, it may facilitate their involvement in local projects, which then enhances their skills and confidence.…”

“…As they were embedded in the healthcare organisation, research fellows were aware of the organisational demands and supports for research (or lack thereof) and they were able to support individuals’ learning needs. 5 They aligned clinicians’ research capabilities and motivation around local research projects. 30 37 They actively facilitated clinicians’ confidence in and sense of control of their research journey.…”

“…Further, clinicians’ research knowledge and confidence can also influence their engagement. 5–9 Consequently, an increasing array of theoretical and practical activities have emerged to enhance the ability and willingness of health professionals to use, participate in and lead research. 10 11 The concept of a linear pipeline between the creation and application of research has been superseded by systems and complexity thinking.…”

Strategies to support early- and mid-career cardiovascular researchers to thrive

“…Indeed, barriers to researcher-clinician collaborations are well documented. 13 A change in culture, however, is possible with substantial two-way opportunities for training and career development available. 14 Suggestions to minimise the silos segregating researchers and clinicians included providing a favourable environment for success such as the co-location of clinicians and researchers.…”