Involving healthcare professionals and managers in research projects on ageing and health: participatory mixed method studies

Background: The interest to involve professionals from healthcare in research has increased. Often with the purpose to address the gap between research and practice. Though, more knowledge about what the involvement might lead to is needed. Hence, two studies were conducted with the aims to conceptualize professionals’ involvement in research on ageing and health from the perspectives of the researchers and the professionals themselves respectively.

Methods: Group concept mapping, a participatory and mixed method was used. In one study researchers took part and in the other study professionals took part. They were involved through brainstorming sessions and by sorting and rating statement. Multidimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were conducted. Furthermore, were qualitative analyses of the latent meanings of the cluster maps conducted.

Results: The analyses resulted in two maps illustrating conceptual areas of professionalas' involvement in research projects on ageing and health. The map from the researchers' perspective illustrated two themes: the process of involvement and the outcome of involvement. From the professionals’ perspective the map illustrated three themes: challenges for professionals; prerequisites and professionals' learning can contribute to development of practice; and integrated knowledge benefits older people. There was a strong correlation between the statements concerning what strengthens practice and research (r= 0.87, r= 0.92).

Conclusion: These studies reveal conceptual areas on comprehensive and illustrative maps from both the researchers' and the professionals' perspective, which contributes to the understanding of professionals' involvement in research on ageing and health.