Barriers and facilitators in the implementation of a researcher-in-residence model for fostering partnerships between social care practice and research

Background

The Kent Research Partnership (KRP), funded by the NIHR HSDR programme, is one of six social care partnerships established with the aim of enhancing research capacity and improving care quality. Launched in 2021, KRP brings together academic researchers, social care practitioners from Kent County Council and care organisations within the region, national and local organisations which represent the care sector, and individuals with lived experience. Endeavouring to cultivate a culture of research, evidence-based practice, and innovation across the county, KRP is organised into four interrelated workstreams:

1. Researchers in Residence (RiR)

2. Communities of Practice

3. Research Fellowships

4. Knowledge Sharing and Impact

This presentation focuses on the RiR workstream. Emerging initially within educational settings and later adopted in healthcare, a defining characteristic of the RiR model is the integration of the researcher into practice teams, rather than being solely based within an academic institution. While RiRs typically bring expertise in research methodologies and evidence, the model prioritises collaborative engagement with practitioners, rather than imposing academic

knowledge. In KRP’s model, a bi-directional approach was adopted, wherein an academic RiR was paired with a RiR employed by the local authority.

Aims

The primary aim of this study is to identify the barriers and facilitators associated with the implementation of the RiR model within the context of social care partnerships.

Methodology

Eight semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with RiRs and members of the broader KRP team to explore their experiences of being or working with RiRs over the first three years of the partnership.

Analysis

The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s framework for thematic analysis. Two researchers independently familiarised themselves with the interview transcripts, conducting open coding to identify initial themes. Subsequently, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was applied to further categorise and interpret the data.

Outcomes

The findings suggest that the existing organisational culture and working practices within the partnership organisations, particularly the local authority and the participating Universities, present significant barriers to the effective implementation of the RiR model. Additionally, external factors, or ‘outer settings’ as defined by CFIR, such as financial constraints within the sector, national policy, and local contextual factors, were identified as obstacles to success. The study also identified several key facilitators to the implementation of the RiR model. These included structural aspects of the partnership and its activities, such as the bi-directional organisation of the RiRs, as well as the individual characteristics of the RiRs themselves.

Conclusion

The findings highlight several persistent challenges in fostering effective partnership working and developing research capacity within the social care sector. However, they also suggest that, through careful consideration of the intervention itself and implementation processes, and by ensuring the recruitment of appropriately qualified and experienced individuals, many of these challenges can be mitigated. Future recommendations include further exploration of the RiR

model's impact on research capacity and care practice, and a continued focus on embedding research capacity within social care organisations.