Implementation of an innovative grant programme to build partnerships between researchers, decision-makers and practitioners: the experience of the Quebec Social Research Council.
OBJECTIVE
This paper examines a grant programme developed by the Quebec Social Research Council in the 1990s to encourage the building of research partnerships between researchers, decision-makers and practitioners. In particular, it studies the perceptions of key participants concerning the reasons behind the programme's successful implementation and growth.


METHODS
In addition to secondary data about institutional involvement in the programme, 10 researchers and administrators were consulted as key informants. The method of concept mapping was used in order to draw out a consensus on the different factors associated with the successful implementation of the programme.


RESULTS
The participants identified 10 main factors that help explain the programme's successful implementation. These factors were then grouped into a model containing four dimensions: the leadership and coherence shown in the programme's implementation; the presence of a favourable political and social conjuncture; the programme's responsiveness to the needs of health and social services institutions; and the programme's responsiveness to the needs of the university milieu.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this model remains specific to the prevailing situation in Quebec at the time of its application, it may help stimulate reflection and contribute to an understanding of how research policies can encourage partnerships between researchers, practitioners and decision-makers.
Evaluation, Research and Innovation Directorate, Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec, Canada.
Thomas
T
Antil
Mireille
M
Desrochers
Pierre
P
Joubert
Camil
C
Bouchard
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D011050:Policy Making; D011792:Quebec; D012108:Research Personnel; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012946:Social Welfare