Establishing a Clinical Research Collaboration: An SLP Perspective

Abstract

Conducting research as a practicing clinician is difficult. Barriers include lack of time, education, and funding. Collaborating with other professionals is one way to facilitate research in the clinical setting. Practicing clinicians are exposed to real-world, clinically relevant, patient-centric problems on a daily basis. Refinement of these clinical questions makes excellent research questions, whose answers can guide clinical practice. Selection of a collaborative research team requires consideration toward interpersonal communication styles and each professional's knowledge, skills, and scope of practice. Establishment of professional goals and an understanding of what each professional can dedicate to the research endeavor are key to maintaining the health of a research team. Promoting collaboration at the pre-professional level and seeking out collaborative opportunities will advance clinical research and ultimately improve patient outcomes.