Collaboration between health services managers and researchers: making a difference?

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate whether the involvement of health care managers in research projects improves the quality and relevance of research, and whether collaboration builds capacity in the managerial community.
METHODS: The NIHR Service Delivery and Organization Management Fellowship programme supports the direct involvement of health care managers in research projects. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with management fellows and chief investigators of research projects at 10 case study sites. Data were analysed thematically using an adapted Kirkpatrick framework for programme evaluation.
RESULTS: Management fellows improved the relevance and quality of research through enhancing its validity, efficiency and credibility. This was achieved by: using their contextual understanding to enable and support access and recruitment participants, data collection tools, processes and analysis; supporting dissemination activities; and undertaking additional work which was complementary to the main project. Capacity was developed through formal courses and exposure to new knowledge, ideas and practices. Factors found to enable or impede improvements in research included management fellows' knowledge and experience of the NHS, their background and personal characteristics, mutual respect, timing and flexibility. Consequences were not always predictable. Costs for management fellows included foregone opportunities, specifically for promoted posts. Researchers reported time-costs associated with administering the fellowship.
CONCLUSIONS: Collaborations between managers and researchers can improve research relevance and quality and research capacity development. Factors critical to success relate to the fit between the project and the management fellow and how clearly the purpose is understood.