Developing collaborative research between clinical agencies: a consortium approach

Collaborative research is receiving increased attention because it maximizes scarce resources and can increase research productivity. One form of collaboration, the consortium approach, was used by six hospitals in northern California and Nevada to increase research activity among the agencies. Our experience with this consortium approach is described. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach to facilitate collaborative research are presented. This approach is recommended for clinical agencies in geographic proximity with similar clinical concerns and administrators supportive of research activity.