OBJECTIVES: This paper examines a grant programme developed by the Quebec Social Research Council in the 1990s to encourage the building of research partnerships between researchers, decision-makers and practitioners. In particular, it studies the perceptions of key participants concerning the reasons behind the programme's successful implementation and growth. METHODS: In addition to secondary data about institutional involvement in the programme, 10 researchers and administrators were consulted as key informants. The method of concept mapping was used in order to draw out a consensus on the different factors associated with the successful implementation of the programme. RESULTS: The participants identified 10 main factors that help explain the programme's successful implementation. These factors were then grouped into a model containing four dimensions: the leadership and coherence shown in the programme's implementation; the presence of a favourable political and social conjuncture; the programme's responsiveness to the needs of health and social services institutions; and the programme's responsiveness to the needs of the university milieu. CONCLUSIONS: Although this model remains specific to the prevailing situation in Quebec at the time of its application, it may help stimulate reflection and contribute to an understanding of how research policies can encourage partnerships between researchers, practitioners and decision-makers.
OBJECTIVES: This paper examines a grant programme developed by the Quebec Social Research Council in the 1990s to encourage the building of research partnerships between researchers, decision-makers and practitioners. In particular, it studies the perceptions of key participants concerning the reasons behind the programme's successful implementation and growth. METHODS: In addition to secondary data about institutional involvement in the programme, 10 researchers and administrators were consulted as key informants. The method of concept mapping was used in order to draw out a consensus on the different factors associated with the successful implementation of the programme. RESULTS: The participants identified 10 main factors that help explain the programme's successful implementation. These factors were then grouped into a model containing four dimensions: the leadership and coherence shown in the programme's implementation; the presence of a favourable political and social conjuncture; the programme's responsiveness to the needs of health and social services institutions; and the programme's responsiveness to the needs of the university milieu. CONCLUSIONS: Although this model remains specific to the prevailing situation in Quebec at the time of its application, it may help stimulate reflection and contribute to an understanding of how research policies can encourage partnerships between researchers, practitioners and decision-makers.
Authors: Jo Rycroft-Malone; Joyce E Wilkinson; Christopher R Burton; Gavin Andrews; Steven Ariss; Richard Baker; Sue Dopson; Ian Graham; Gill Harvey; Graham Martin; Brendan G McCormack; Sophie Staniszewska; Carl Thompson Journal: Implement Sci Date: 2011-07-19 Impact factor: 7.327