Consistent with the paradigm of evidence informed decision making we assume that research findings are integrated into health services practice and policy. However, there is a gap betweeen research findings and usual practice. Collaborative research, where researchers are encouraged to partner with decision makers to conduct mutually agreed and relevant research, may facilitate prompt utilization of new findings. My study explored decision makers’ experiences of collaborative teams executing federally funded health research. The principles of interpretive description were used to guide sampling, data collection, and analysis. A purposeful sample of 27 decision makers, collaborating on Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, participated in two in-depth interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to identify concepts. The conceptual framework was developed inductively from the descriptive data and provided a structure for interpreting decision maker perspectives. The framework posits an explanation leading to contextual understanding of their experiences. This study describes factors affecting PHSI engagement that include: availability of new funding; positive history with the researcher; prospect of tangible benefits to constituents of decision makers; desire to contribute to research that informs health services programs and policies; capacity building; and knowledge creation. The partnership process is facilitated by fostering connections; identifying required skills and competencies; maintaining a sustainable focus of inquiry; clarifying roles and responsibilities; cultivating a nurturing learning environment. My findings will inform decision makers, researchers, and funding agencies about the experience and legacy of collaborative research partnerships.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)