Bridging the research‐to‐practice gap in intellectual disability settings through strategic collaborations Authors-.O'Connor, S. Guerin and P. Dodd- St.Michael's House ,UCD Centre for Disability Studies

Issued on October 4 2019

Summary

Bridging the research‐to‐practice gap in intellectual disability settings through strategic collaborations

  1. O'Connor1, S. Guerin2 and P. Dodd1

1St. Michael's House Intellectual Disability Services, Ireland; 2UCD Centre for Disability Studies, University College Dublin, Ireland

Introduction: Disability research primarily aims to inform and influence practice. However, many research findings do not reach those who can apply them, or takes time to do so. It is vital to think beyond traditional methods of conducting and disseminating research, in order to bridge the research‐to‐practice gap. Collaborative research can address this gap.

Methods: In 2009, St. Michael's House (SMH), a large disability provider initiated a formal collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland's largest university, to facilitate research, training and development. This paper reports the structure and activities associated with an agreement that aims to promote research that fills shared agendas.

Results: This has allowed service providers and users to inform research that meets their needs as well ensuring effective dissemination via accessible organisational reports, bi‐annual research forums, as well as peer reviewed publications. Comprehensive service evaluations have also directly impacted how models of practice in SMH. UCD has greatly benefited though expert teaching input, high quality publications and collaborative‐secured research funding.

Implications: The collaboration has allowed for cost‐effective, practical improvements in service provision in SMH, and supports UCD's wider research agenda in health. Furthermore, it has promoted collaborations for both SMH and UCD with other organisations. Going forward, the organisations are able and eager to take on larger projects, which could have national and international implications.

Keywords knowledge transfer. Collaboration. intellectual disability services. Practice.