Clinical Impact Requires Clinical Practice Research

Abstract

Purpose: The extent to which research impacts clinical practice is directly related to the availability, accessibility, and relevance of clinical practice research (CPR). The purpose of this article is to describe some of the current barriers to CPR in communication sciences and disorders and review the resources available to support clinical practice researchers. Results: Considerations related to CPR are numerous and relate to its availability, relevance, and accessibility. There are longstanding challenges with the CPR pipeline, which include challenges getting researchers involved in conducting CPR, acquisition of funding to support CPR grant proposals, recognition of the validity and role of less traditional research paradigms in which some CPR is conducted, and publishing and disseminating CPR. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has developed a number of resources to support the development, execution, dissemination, and utilization of CPR in speech-language pathology and audiology. Conclusions: Clinicians, researchers, and clinician-scientists alike are encouraged to explore ASHA's CPR resources and initiatives. The outcomes of ASHA programs are encouraging in that researchers who participate in CPR initiatives are largely successful in obtaining funding for CPR. This is promising evidence that the availability, relevance, and accessibility barriers to CPR can be mitigated, which will ultimately lead to improved uptake and impact of CPR.