Clinical research coordinators’ role in knowledge translation activities in rehabilitation: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) facilitate the interaction between researchers and knowledge users in rehabilitation centres to promote and sustain evidence-informed practices. Despite their presence in rehabilitation settings in Quebec for over 20 years, little is known about their profiles and knowledge translation (KT) activities nor how they can best enact their role. This study explored CRCs’ roles and perspectives on the barriers, enablers, and strategies for improving KT activities in rehabilitation settings. Methods We conducted a multi-centre, participatory sequential mixed methods study. In the descriptive quantitative phase, we collected data via an online survey to determine CRCs’ role in research and KT. In the subsequent qualitative phase, we conducted an in-person focus group to elicit CRCs’ perspectives regarding factors influencing their work in KT, and potential solutions for overcoming these challenges. We used a descriptive and an inductive content analysis approach for the data analysis. The data synthesis was inspired by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework. Results All nine CRCs from five partner health regions of a large rehabilitation research centre agreed to participate in the study. The data suggest that CRCs are like knowledge brokers and boundary spanners. As information managers, linkage agents and facilitators, CRCs play a pivot role in diffusion, dissemination, synthesis and tailoring of knowledge to improve evidence informed practices and quality of care in rehabilitation. The factors influencing CRCs’ KT activities are mostly linked to the context such as the receptivity of the organization as well as the lack of time and resources, and limited understanding of their roles by stakeholders. Two main suggestions made to enhance CRCs’ contribution to KT activities include the harmonisation of expectations between the large research centre and their partner health regions, and better promotion of their role to clinical and research teams. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the scope of CRCs’ role. The results shed light on the challenges that they face and potential solutions to overcome them. The knowledge generated in this study can be used to implement this role with similar duties in rehabilitation settings or other health care domains.

Methodological Approaches to Obtaining Informed Consent when Conducting Research With Individuals With Deafblindness

“…( 2) These criteria are used by the archives, admission services or program managers to internally generate a list of potential participants. (3) The initial contact with the person living with deafblindness is then made by a representative of the community partner, such as a research coordinator (Kengne Talla et al, 2023). This initial contact may be direct with the person living with deafblindness, if communication preferences allow for such an approach, or may be facilitated by members of the family, or a professional (e.g., intervener, interpreter).…”

Center with or Without a Coordinator? The Coordinator as an Integral Part of a Research Team

“…In contrast to these external challenges, when assessing their own feelings of value, respect, and confidence in their work, nearly 90% of responses affirmed positive sentiments. 23 Drawing insights from data collected in the US, where the role of a clinical trial coordinator is more prevalent than in European countries, it's evident that this role is highly desirable within the clinical trial landscape. An analysis conducted in 2021 highlighted the necessity to enhance the employment of clinical trial coordinators.…”

Collaborative sustainability planning for an outcome measure in outpatient stroke rehabilitation: A qualitative description study

“…The use of an IKT approach was facilitated by the strong, existing relationships between many team members. 43,44…”

“…We shared core responsibilities: the clinical team reported on the local needs and context, the research team relayed research evidence for the EBP and facilitated implementation processes, and Information Technology (IT) specialists provided technical and data governance expertise. The use of an IKT approach was facilitated by the strong, existing relationships between many team members 43,44 …”