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. 2014 Aug 26;11(9):8689-708.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph110908689.

Creating an interest in research and development as a means of reducing the gap between theory and practice in primary care: an interventional study based on strategic communication

Helena Morténius  1
Affiliations

Creating an interest in research and development as a means of reducing the gap between theory and practice in primary care: an interventional study based on strategic communication

Helena Morténius. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Today, healthcare professionals are faced with the challenge of implementing research results in an optimal way. It is therefore important to create a climate that is conducive to research and development (R&D). For this reason, new strategies are required to enhance healthcare professionals' interest in innovative thinking and R&D. Strategic communication with roots in sociology, psychology and political science was employed as a means of achieving long-term behavioural change. The aim of this study was to describe, follow up and evaluate a primary care intervention based on strategic communication intended to increase healthcare professionals' interest in R&D over time. An interventional cohort study comprising all staff members (N = 1276) in a Swedish primary care area was initiated in 1997 and continued for 12 years. The intention to engage in R&D was measured on two occasions; at 7 and 12 years. Both descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were employed. The results demonstrated that the positive attitude to R&D increased over time, representing a first step towards new thinking and willingness to change work practices for the benefit of the patient. Strategic communication has not been previously employed as a scientific tool to create a long-term interest in R&D within primary care.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Intervention flow chart of measurement outcomes in relation to the goal of the communication strategy in the study cohort.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Impact of the direct (D) and indirect communication (ID) communication channels on the creation of interest in R&D among primary care staff measured on two occasions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The probability of change in R&D interest as a function of age.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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