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Health Research Policy and Systems

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Study Protocol

Evaluating the impact of a network of research partnerships: a longitudinal multiple case study protocol

Authors: Femke Hoekstra, Kathleen A. Martin Ginis, Veronica Allan, Anita Kothari, Heather L. Gainforth

Published in: Health Research Policy and Systems | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Conducting and/or disseminating research together with community stakeholders (e.g. policy-makers, practitioners, community organisations, patients) is a promising approach to generating relevant and impactful research. However, creating strong and successful partnerships between researchers and stakeholders is complex. Thus far, an in-depth understanding of how, when and why these research partnerships are successful is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate and explain the outcomes and impacts of a national network of researchers and community stakeholders over time in order to gain a better understanding of how, when and why research partnerships are successful (or not).

Methods

This longitudinal multiple case study will use data from the Canadian Disability Participation Project, a large national network of researchers and community stakeholders working together to enhance community participation among people with physical disabilities. To maximise the impact of research conducted within the Canadian Disability Participation Project network, researchers are supported in developing and implementing knowledge translation plans. The components of the RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance) will guide this study. Data will be collected from different perspectives (researchers, stakeholders) using different methods (logs, surveys, timeline interviews) at different time points during the years 2018–2021. A combination of data analysis methods, including network analysis and cluster analysis, will be used to study the RE-AIM components. Qualitative data will be used to supplement the findings and further understand the variation in the RE-AIM components over time and across groups.

Discussion

The outcomes, impacts and processes of conducting and disseminating research together with community stakeholders will be extensively studied. The longitudinal design of this study will provide a unique opportunity to examine research partnerships over time and understand the underlying processes using a variety of innovative research methods (e.g. network analyses, timeline interviews). This study will contribute to opening the ‘black box’ of doing successful and impactful health research in partnership with community stakeholders.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/kj5xa/.

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Title: Evaluating the impact of a network of research partnerships: a longitudinal multiple case study protocol
Authors: Femke Hoekstra
Kathleen A. Martin Ginis
Veronica Allan
Anita Kothari
Heather L. Gainforth
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Health Research Policy and Systems / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4505
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-018-0377-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Evaluating the impact of a network of research partnerships: a longitudinal multiple case study protocol

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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