Occupational therapists experiences of implementing a new complex intervention in collaboration with researchers: a qualitative longitudinal study.
BACKGROUND
This study was conducted in the context of a randomized controlled trial where occupational therapists (OTs) in collaboration with researchers implemented a client-centred activity of daily living intervention (CADL) for persons with stroke.


OBJECTIVE
The aim was to identify and describe over time the OTs' experiences regarding the collaboration with the researcher in their role as implementers of a new complex intervention.


METHODS
Focus group interviews were conducted with 33 OTs, two, six and 12 months after they had participated in a five-day workshop. The interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach.


RESULTS
Three categories were identified: (1) Including in the scientific world, (2) Involving as an implementer of science and (3) Integrating in a partnership. One core category emerged: The implementation of client-centred intervention enabled the fusion of practice and science. An increased experience of using CADL and support from the researchers changed the OTs' attitudes towards engaging in research from being an outsider to the scientific world to being included and then becoming a part of the research as an implementer of science.


CONCLUSIONS
To create a context built on a collaborative partnership between practitioners and researchers enabled the fusion of practice and science.
a Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.|b Department of Occupational Therapy , Karolinska University Hospital , Huddinge , Sweden.
Christina
C
Eriksson
a Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.
Anette
A
Erikson
a Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.
Kerstin
K
Tham
a Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.
Susanne
S
Guidetti
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D017144:Focus Groups; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D000072087:Occupational Therapists / Q000523:psychology*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012108:Research Personnel; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods
ADL; clinical competence; evidence-based practice; focus groups; grounded theory; knowledge translation; professional practice; rehabilitation; research use