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Partnership experiences: involving decision-makers in the research process
Suzanne Ross1, John Lavis, Charo Rodriguez
1Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Health Services Research & Policy
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Involving health system managers and policymakers in research offers benefits, with three models of engagement identified. Facilitating this collaboration requires strategic planning and support for associated costs.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Health Policy and Management
- Knowledge Translation
Background:
- Engaging decision-makers in research is crucial for evidence-informed policy and practice.
- Understanding the experiences of both researchers and decision-makers is key to optimizing this collaboration.
- Previous research has not fully explored the nuances of these partnerships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore researchers' and decision-makers' experiences with research involvement.
- To assess the benefits and costs of decision-maker engagement in research.
- To identify facilitators for effective researcher-decision-maker collaboration.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with principal investigators, research staff, and involved decision-makers.
- The study focused on research programs funded by the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation.
- Participants were from the 1999 and 2000 competition years.
Main Results:
- Three models of decision-maker involvement were identified: formal supporter, responsive audience, and integral partner.
- These models demonstrated valuable contributions to the research process.
- Factors influencing decision-maker roles included research stage, time commitment, expertise alignment, and existing relationships.
Conclusions:
- Decision-maker involvement in research is generally beneficial.
- Facilitating involvement requires identifying strategic opportunities and supporting associated costs.
- Exploring interactions outside the formal research process warrants consideration.