Post doc
Signe de Place Knudsen
Fysio- og Ergoterapien, Sygehus Lillebælt, Vejle
| Project management | ||
| Project status | Open | |
| Data collection dates | ||
| Start | 01.03.2023 | |
| End | 28.02.2026 | |
Cross-sectoral research: a co-produced collaboration to improve patients' rehabilitation
Short summary
The gap between sectors challenge the cross-sectoral rehabilitation research. This study initiates structured cross-sectoral research to enhance collaboration between primary and secondary healthcare sectors. Using a three-stage framework, it engages stakeholders through mapping, co-production, and prototyping. Process evaluation ensures effectiveness, utilizing qualitative and quantitative data. The aim is to co-produce research projects, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
Rationale
Efforts made to foster cross-sectoral research in physiotherapy are met with challenges. One of the main obstacles is the division between sectors, where research projects typically originate from hospitals and then attempt conveyed to primary sector rehabilitation units. This transition can be challenging as municipalities may not always feel a sense of ownership or perceive the relevance of the research findings to their daily practices. In scientific rehabilitation research conducted by Danish institutes from 2001 to 2021, the majority of first affiliations were with hospitals, followed by universities. However, the limited presence of research in physiotherapeutic rehabilitation within municipalities can restrict the implementation of evidence-based practice, ultimately affecting the quality of patient care. It also contributes to the absence of standardized practices and guidelines, leading to variations in rehabilitation approaches and inconsistent rehabilitation quality. Furthermore, the lack of research can hinder professional development and specialization for rehabilitation therapists, and weaken collaboration and communication among stakeholders in the healthcare system. As a result, the lack of research in therapeutic rehabilitation holds back the potential for new and innovative approaches in health-related rehabilitation therapy. It also makes it difficult for the professions to keep up with the latest advancements and provide the best possible treatment options to patients. For the patient, insufficient rehabilitation can result in temporary or long-lasting difficulties in performing daily tasks and increase the likelihood setbacks. Consequently, one may rely on assistive devices for extended periods, experience limitations in everyday activities, and face challenges in their ability to work effectively. In 2022, the Danish Health Authority provided a national research strategy to enhance research in primary healthcare. This strategy highlights key research areas such as health promotion and prevention, implementation, patient-centred care, rehabilitation, and the need for effective data management to support research. While universities, university colleges, regional councils, and municipal councils share the responsibility of supporting evidence-based practice, it is worth noting that municipalities currently do not have individual research responsibilities. Unlike the well-established collaboration structures between universities and regions for hospital research, there is a lack of structured collaboration when it comes to research tasks in municipal healthcare. As a result, primary healthcare research often relies on individual initiatives rather than being part of a comprehensive arrangement. To address this gap, it is essential to engage stakeholders from the initial development phase. This involvement helps establish connections, identify priorities and contextual aspects, and pinpoint key factors for successful implementation. By fostering a co-creative cross-sectoral collaboration in structured research, driven by both researchers and practitioners, we can enhance opportunities for successful cross-sectoral research. Ultimately, this will lead to the development of better rehabilitation programs based on increased evidence-based practice, benefiting patients. To engage municipalities effectively in research, it is essential to grasp their political and organizational priorities while recognizing both supportive elements and possible obstacles. Forming successful research collaborations demands a thoughtful strategy and a joint commitment. This study marks the first structured step towards organized cross-sectoral rehabilitation research in Denmark. This underscores the significance of the current postdoctoral project.
Description of the cohort
Based upon preliminary analysis of the organisational structure of Lillebaelt Hospital and the adjacent municipalities (Fredericia, Vejle, Middelfart, Kolding, Vejen and Billund), the project includes stakeholders from five primary groups: 1) Primary sector rehabilitation healthcare (udviklingsterapeuter og ledere af genoptræningsenheder); 2) Primary sector health policy and administration (sundhedschefer og -direktører samt sundhedsudvalgsformænd); 3) Secondary sector rehabilitation (udviklings- og forskningsterapeut samt chefterapeut); 4) Secondary sector health policy and administration (fx sygehusdirektion) and 5) Patients/relatives/patient association. All groups are recruited directly by email explaining the purpose of the project. Some stakeholders are provided in Danish within parentheses because the English translations do not directly correspond to the Danish titles.
Data and biological material
Interviews, observations and qualitative outcomes from workshops, and quantitative (questionnaire and administrative data on e.g. reach, dose, and fidelity) methods are used to gather data on the implementation, engagement, and outcomes