Education and practice: connecting with research

This paper discusses a faculty project that explored community research needs to guide and shape the research curriculum and class assignments for a master of occupational therapy education program. Thirteen community partners were identified and interviewed. Eleven of 13 valued or greatly valued research. Those same 11 expressed an interest in collaborating with the Department of Occupational Therapy. The community partners identified 86 potential future topics for research covering many areas of practice; the majority of them focused on pediatrics. The community partners also identified several research supports already in place such as team work, administrative support, and access to clients. They identified barriers to implementing research including lack of time and assistance for the research process. This information will be incorporated in student research projects, course assignments, and faculty research agendas to provide students with an authentic learning experience while meeting community partners' needs.