A framework of operating models for interdisciplinary research programs in clinical service organizations

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Clinical Practice Improvement
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Background:

• Clinical service organizations face challenges integrating research into practice.
• A need exists for structured approaches to foster research within these settings.
• Existing models may not adequately support community-based, interdisciplinary research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a framework of operating models for interdisciplinary research programs in clinical service organizations.
• To describe four distinct models: clinician-researcher skill development, program evaluation, researcher-led knowledge generation, and knowledge conduit.
• To provide a tool for designing and implementing research programs in community-based settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a conceptual framework based on a long-standing research program.
• Description of each model, including its philosophical basis, staff roles, outputs, and limitations.
• Contextualization within a children's rehabilitation service organization.

Main Results:

• The framework comprises four interconnected models tailored for clinical service organizations.
• Each model emphasizes different aspects of research skill development, knowledge generation, and knowledge sharing.
• The models offer a collaborative approach to enhance research-informed practice.

Conclusions:

• The presented framework provides a flexible tool for designing interdisciplinary, community-based research programs.
• These operating models can enhance the integration of research into clinical practice.
• Tailored approaches are crucial for successful research implementation in diverse clinical settings.