A qualitative descriptive study to explore evaluation and effects of partnered rehabilitation research in Canada

BACKGROUND: Partnered rehabilitation research, where researchers and knowledge users (e.g. clinicians, administrators, clients) collaborate on research decision-making and activities, may enhance the use of evidence in clinical practice. Previous research identified gaps in formal evaluation and demonstrated effects of the partnering process in rehabilitation research. This study explored evaluation and effects of partnering on the research process and outcomes, and how partnering contributed to those effects. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Eligible participants were researchers and knowledge users involved in partnered rehabilitation research in Canada who could understand English. We developed an interview guide on the basis of a published framework of partnering in research and a model of partnering in community-based research. We completed semi-structured interviews with seven researchers and six knowledge users, most of whom identified as women and White. Participants had a range of rehabilitation research experience from a few years to decades. We used reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the findings. RESULTS: No participants formally evaluated their partnerships, citing challenges such as limited time, but believed it could be valuable. Accordingly, participants described many effects of partnering. We developed one main theme, "Partnering is an Interactive Process Shaping Research and those Involved," along with three subthemes, "Partnering Influences the Research Process from Beginning to End," "Learning through Partnering: Building Individual Research Knowledge, Skills and Capacity" and "The Effects of Partnering are Driven by Multiple Factors." Participants described effects of partnering on the research process, outcomes and individuals; and factors that contributed to the effects. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of evaluation, participants identified important impacts on research design, outcomes and individual learning that were influenced by an array of contributing factors. Persisting lack of evaluation of partnering in rehabilitation research may be restricting comprehensive understanding of the effects of partnering. Future research should prioritize approaches that balance rigor and relevance, and clarify who is best to lead evaluation activities.