Collaborative partnerships between clinicians and researchers are integral to MassageNet’s mission. Practice-Based Research Networks, like MassageNet, facilitate collaboration to make it easier for important research questions to be asked and answered, yet often face difficulties in creating and maintaining relationships among groups. This Research Highlight examines a survey study looking at barriers to and facilitators of collaboration among complementary and integrative health (CIH) institutions and research (R1) institutions.
A research group through the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine developed the study to investigate researchers’ experiences associated with CIH and R1 institutions that were part of collaborative research projects. Specifically, they wanted to know more about how they established and maintained collaborative relationships and how prior collaborative experiences can inform future efforts. The investigators created their own survey questions about various aspects of collaborative research relationships, including both quantitative and open-ended questions.
Twenty-six entries were included in analysis: two R1 institutions and 24 CIH institutions. Chiropractic (57.7%) and acupuncture (34.6%) were the most commonly represented disciplines, and 19.2% of participants reported massage therapy as part of their research area. Some of the benefits of collaboration included research funding and publications, increased opportunities, and institutional changes. Challenges included lack of CIH research infrastructure and experience, credentialing and regulation of CIH, and lack of physical and scheduling space.
The major takeaway from this study is that collaboration can be productive and beneficial, but creating and strengthening relationships can take a lot of effort. The results of collaboration between CIH and R1 institutions can help increase understanding of real-world practice of CIH therapies, which can help improve patient care and outcomes. This is, after all, the goal for all massage clinicians, CIH practitioners, and healthcare providers across the board. By joining MassageNet, you probably feel that way, too!
Read the full study article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39648830/
Anderson B, Munk N, Moonaz S, Healey D. Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis of Institutional Research Partnerships in Complementary and Integrative Health: Identifying Barriers and Facilitators. J Integr Complement Med. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2024.0382. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39648830.