Abstract
BackgroundResearch and practice are often considered as two different worlds with different values, which causes a gap between them. Involving professionals such as practitioners, managers, decision-makers, and policy-makers in research on ageing and health might address the gap between research and practice, strengthen the healthcare system, and increase older people’s possibilities for healthy ageing. The aim of this study was to conceptualize professionals’ involvement in research on ageing and health from the perspective of the professionals themselves.MethodsA mixed method called group concept mapping was used. Professionals with experience being involved in research on ageing and health participated in qualitative data collection through brainstorming sessions (n = 29) and by sorting statements (n = 29). Afterwards, they participated in a quantitative data collection by rating statements according to how much each statement strengthened practice (n = 30) and strengthened research (n = 28). Multidimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to conduct quantitative analysis. Latent qualitative analysis was also conducted.ResultsAnalysis resulted in eight clusters which illustrated conceptual areas of professionals’ involvement in research projects. The qualitative latent construct of the cluster map resulted in the themes: challenges for professionals; prerequisites and professionals’ learning can contribute to development of practice; and integrated knowledge benefits older people. There was a strong correlation between what strengthens practice and research (r = 0.92).ConclusionsThis study illustrates conceptual areas of professionals’ own perspectives on what their involvement in research can lead to. Their involvement may lead to knowledge being integrated, and the professionals may learn through their involvement, which can contribute to the development of practice. However, there can also be challenges that need to be handled when professionals are involved in research. The study can be useful for improving the understanding of and actual involvement of professionals in research, and for optimizing the involvement of professionals.
Highlights
Research and practice are often considered as two different worlds with different values, which causes a gap between them
The cluster map’s eight clusters are as follows: challenges for professionals in relation to practice; challenges for professionals in relation to research; prerequisites affecting professionals’ involvement in research; professionals’ involvement increases their interest and engagement in research and development (R&D); professionals contribute with their knowledge; bridging the gap between practice and research; applicable research that benefits practice; and research that benefits older people
The theme includes the following clusters: prerequisites affecting professionals’ involvement in research; professionals’ involvement increases their interest and engagement in R&D; and professionals contribute with their knowledge
Summary
Research and practice are often considered as two different worlds with different values, which causes a gap between them Involving professionals such as practitioners, managers, decision-makers, and policy-makers in research on ageing and health might address the gap between research and practice, strengthen the healthcare system, and increase older people’s possibilities for healthy ageing. Collaboration between professionals (practitioners, managers, decision-makers, and policy-makers) and researchers may play an important role in bridging the existing gap between research and practice [1], in Laustsen et al Health Res Policy Sys (2021) 19:115 order to strengthen the healthcare system [2] as well as increase older people’s possibilities for healthy ageing [3]. Even though involving professionals in research on ageing and health may lead to relevant and applicable knowledge, the collaboration is complex and challenging to navigate [4] It takes a long time for research to be applied in practice [5]. Research and practice complete one another, and both give insights in their specific areas, all useful for addressing today’s challenges of an increasing ageing population
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