Building research capacity: Lessons learned from an innovative model of participatory research in the context of youth protection

Objectives: The Building Research Capacity initiative is an innovative model of participatory research aimed at building institutional capacity and mobilizing research knowledge. Methods: Beyond providing training and... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: The Building Research Capacity initiative is an innovative model of participatory research aimed at building institutional capacity and mobilizing research knowledge. Methods: Beyond providing training and supporting stronger evidence based management/practice culture, the initiative assists managers in developing information management tools to allow them to track service trajectories using the data queries developed within BRC. A clinical-administrative dataset of 450,000 children followed by youth protection agencies in Quebec is at the core of the initiative. Graduate students, supported by university researchers, work as knowledge brokers with agencies by providing support in accessing and summarizing scientific studies, designing questionnaires for client or staff surveys, developing data capture tools, analyzing data, as well as writing reports. Results: Preliminary outcomes include 1) research productivity as documented by new research projects and citation counts for dissemination outputs, 2) use of research as demonstrated by reference to research in agency documents and expectations that program decisions be evidence-based and 3) increased research capacity as demonstrated by improved research skills for students and staff, and increased agency time for research related activities. More than 30 graduate students have been trained and the initiative has supported over 30 projects in 10 agencies. Conclusion: Participatory approaches require front-end investments in time and resources with the potential of generating policy and practice relevant findings and sustainable partnerships. On a project-specific basis the model shows positive results, with some caveats with respect to clarifying the transition from providing technical assistance to conducting research. Developing research capacity within the agencies has been more of a challenge, especially in the context of a significant re-organization in the structure and management of Quebec’s health and social service network. The presentation will conclude with a critical analysis of the advantages and challenges of implementing and sustaining partnerships between academia and agency settings.