Sustaining effective research/operational collaborations: Lessons learned from a National Partnered Evaluation Initiative

Introduction: Effective research-operational partnerships require that researchers ask questions targeting top clinical operational priorities. However, disconnects exist between healthcare researchers and operational leadership that result in significant delays between discovery and implementation of breakthroughs in healthcare. Objective: Using the Veterans Health Administration Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) Partnered Evaluation Initiative (PEI) as a case study, we identified relationship characteristics of collaborative research projects designed to address the research/operations gap. Methods: An interview guide was developed focusing on areas identified as essential for effective research/operational partnerships from previous research. Investigators (N = 14) and their operational leadership partners (N = 14) representing 16 PEIs were interviewed by phone related to the characteristics of their partnerships. All investigators had had advanced degrees in fields related to healthcare delivery and administration and were affiliated with VHA research institutes. All operational partners served in national leadership roles within VHA operational offices. Detailed interview notes collected from interviews were coded and themes identified using thematic analysis. Results: Eight relationship themes were identified: leadership support, shared understanding, investment, trust, agreement on products, mutual benefit, adaptability, and collaboration. Most operational and investigator partners discussed the importance of leadership support, shared understanding, investment, trust and product agreement, suggesting that these may be more essential than other areas in supporting effective operations/research collaborations. One theme (mutual benefit) was mentioned by most investigators but only some operations partners, pointing to potential differences related to this area between the two groups. Facilitators of effective collaboration included obtaining formal leadership support, developing a shared understanding of partner priorities and needs, ongoing discussions about resource needs, expanding collaborations beyond the initial project, having a clearly defined plan, planning for flexibility, plans for regular communication, and active participation in project meetings. Conclusions: Partnership characteristics that facilitate effective collaboration include leadership support, shared understanding of planned work, investment, trust, and product agreement. Future research should assess the overall impact of partnered approaches to healthcare improvement within other large healthcare systems.