Connecting with clinicians: opportunities to strengthen rehabilitation research.
OBJECTIVE
This article examines the distinctive opportunities and challenges involved in connecting with clinicians to strengthen rehabilitation research.


METHODS
The relevant literature on various factors that link researchers and clinicians is summarized and discussed.


RESULTS
Links between researchers and clinicians are demonstrated by evidence-based practice, common conceptual background and the development of research capacity. Sustainable partnerships can evolve throughout the research process by using various enduring strategies such as experts' committee as well as novel approaches like communities of practice.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper reflects the conviction that reducing the gap between research and clinical practice will be facilitated by implementing partnerships originating from both researchers and clinicians.
Demers
Louise
L
Research Centre of the Montreal Geriatric University Institute, Canada. louise.demers@umontreal.ca
Poissant
Lise
L
D035843:Biomedical Research; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010820:Physicians; D012046:Rehabilitation