The Co-production of Biomedical Research in Canada: Are Scientists Ready to Take the Plunge? An Empirical Example from Food Allergy Research

摘要

End-user involvement in research through collaborative research models, known as Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) in Canadian health, can improve recruitment, quality, relevance and acceptability of research. Despite potential benefits, application to biomedical research remains rare. This study aims to explore baseline knowledge, attitude and practices of Canadian biomedical scientists towards IKT as a foundation for a funded program of research related to causes and treatments of an emerging public health epidemic. A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with all 16 scientists on the GET-FACTS project. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was performed on the data. Findings highlight the limited exposure of biomedical scientists to IKT activities. Though Knowledge Translation (KT) was a term familiar to participants, most described it as end of grant activity (not 'integrated'). A majority of participants expressed that their research could take on a new direction or focus with the input of end-users, would prove to be a valuable research tool, and that IKT could help researchers think creatively about problems. All participants acknowledged challenges associated with this approach to research. We argue that biomedical scientists are open and eager to engaging in IKT but are held back by a lack of concrete examples and experiences to draw on. Integrating end-users and research scientists is an important step in ensuring end-users receive the research knowledge they require and that research is created to address their pressing needs.