Effective use of the research consultant

A principal investigator (PI) often includes a consultant in a proposal for a research project either at the request of the funding agency or because a consultant may add expertise to the research team. The most effective use of the consultant may vary according to the needs and gaps in areas of expertise of the team. Lippitt and Lippitt (1978) developed a model for guiding consultation that has been adapted in this article to guide not only the consultant but also the researcher in how to effectively use a consultant. The model is adaptable whether the principal investigator is new to designing and implementing research projects and needs a consultant expert in the research process or the PI has much research experience and needs a clinically expert consultant. The six phases of this model from contact and entry through contract completion is a step-by-step guide that is adaptable to the needs of the PI and research team.