Collaborative research between clinicians and academics: Necessary conditions, advantages and potential difficulties

Occupational therapy is in a state of transition. Research is one key ingredient to facilitate change and is essential for the professional survival of occupational therapy. Research is expected of university faculty members, but therapists working in clinical settings often have meaningful research questions that require investigation. Collaborative research between academics and clinicians is one way of increasing research productivity in occupational therapy. The necessary conditions, advantages and potential difficulties of collaborative research are reviewed.