Background: The current literature proposing criteria and guidelines for collaborative health system research
often fails to differentiate between: (a) various types of partnerships, (b) collaborations formed for the specific
purpose of developing a research proposal and those based on long-standing relationships, (c) researcher vs.
decision-maker initiatives, and (d) the underlying drivers for the collaboration.
Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 decision-makers and researchers who partnered on a
Canadian major peer-reviewed grant proposal in 2013. Objectives of this exploration of participants’ experiences
with health system research collaboration were to: (a) explore perspectives and experience with research
collaboration in general; (b) identify characteristics and strategies associated with effective partnerships; and
(c) provide guidance for development of effective research partnerships. Interviews were audio-recorded and
transcribed: transcripts were qualitatively analyzed using a general inductive approach.
Results: Findings suggest that the common “two cultures” approach to research/decision-maker collaboration
provides an inadequate framework for understanding the complexity of research partnerships. Many commonlyidentified challenges to researcher/knowledge user (KU) collaboration are experienced as manageable by
experienced research teams. Additional challenges (past experience with research and researchers; issues
arising from previous collaboration; and health system dynamics) may be experienced in partnerships based on
existing collaborations, and interact with partnership demands of time and communication. Current research
practice may discourage KUs from engaging in collaborative research, in spite of strong beliefs in its potential
benefits. Practical suggestions for supporting collaborations designed to respond to real-time health system
challenges were identified
