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An exploration of practitioner-researcher collaboration on randomized controlled trials of complex interventions

Sawtell, Mary Barbara; (2019) An exploration of practitioner-researcher collaboration on randomized controlled trials of complex interventions. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Abstract

Background. The past two decades have seen great interest in the development and evaluation of complex social interventions. The randomised controlled trial (RCT) is the normative research design for these evaluations and academic-practitioner collaboration in the conduct of studies is increasingly common to maximise rigour and relevance. However, gaps remain in what is known about how collaboration can be most effective in the co-production of knowledge. Practical examples of academic-practitioner collaboration can address these knowledge gaps. Aim: To demonstrate the development of academic-practitioner collaboration in the conduct of RCTs of complex health and education interventions through practical examples spanning two decades. Methods: Insider research drew on: four of my publications; experience of working on RCTs; and wider experience, gained over 20 years, working as a health visitor. Findings and conclusions: A general trend, in studies, across time is shown of: more relevant practitioners actively involved; in increasingly varied and influential study roles; with greater capacity to contribute to the research process. Improved management of the boundary between intervention and evaluation is also demonstrated. These trends have increased the potential for a more equal and effective blend of academic and practitioner knowledge and as such the co-production of more useful research. Key practitioner voices have been missing from decision-making processes in RCTs, however, which is likely to have had a negative impact on the utility of the findings. Creative approaches to collaboration, utilising skills in interpersonal relations, awareness of context and spanning of boundaries can bring these harder to reach voices into the research process. These are skills central to health visiting practice. Although health visitors are relatively new to RCTs they are well positioned to be part of the process of conducting the rigorous and relevant RCTs that are important in the development of services, including health visiting.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Qualification: Ph.D
Title: An exploration of practitioner-researcher collaboration on randomized controlled trials of complex interventions
Event: UCL
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
Additional information: Copyright © The Author 2019. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Social Research Institute
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10082587
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