Collaborative research between clinicians and researchers: a multiple case study of implementation

Area of Science:

• Participatory research
• Clinical intervention research
• Health services research

Background:

• The participatory research movement conceptually supports clinician-driven research with expert collaboration.
• An evaluation assessed a Veterans Health Administration program designed to foster clinician-led research.
• Key evaluation metrics included project integrity, methodological rigor, collaboration, and sustained clinical impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a program aimed at encouraging clinician-driven research within the Veterans Health Administration.
• To assess the implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of clinician-led clinical demonstration projects.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to successful and sustainable clinician-led research initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative (surveys, archival data) and qualitative (focus groups) methods were employed.
• Four clinical demonstration projects across four sites were evaluated.
• Collaboration was assessed using a six-dimensional model of participatory research by mentors and clinician researchers.

Main Results:

• Mixed findings indicated successful collaboration but highlighted the critical role of clinicians' prior research experience.
• Common challenges included subject recruitment, administrative/logistical support, and dissemination.
• Only one of the four interventions demonstrated lasting clinical effect beyond the project period.

Conclusions:

• The participatory research initiative successfully promoted clinician-directed collaboration.
• Lack of resources and administrative support were significant barriers to achieving sustainable interventions.
• Improvements in implementation processes are needed to enhance the long-term clinical impact of such programs.