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Article
How a Power Differential Between Clinicians and Researchers Contributes to the Research-to-Practice Gap
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
  • Natalie Douglas, Central Michigan University
  • Jacqueline Hinckley, Nova Southeastern University
  • Kate Grandbois, Grandbois Therapy and Consulting, LLC
  • Megan Schliep, MGH Institute of Health Professions
  • Amy Wonkka, Grandbois Therapy and Consulting, LLC
  • Jennifer Oshita, University of Vermont
  • Julie Feuerstein, University of Central Florida
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-9-2023
Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to contend that there is a power differential between researchers and clinicians where researchers are the primary creators of knowledge and clinicians are the primary consumers of knowledge. Rooted in a sociological model illustrating interacting levels of power at macro-, meso-, and microlevels, we argue that authentic research-practice partnerships and clinician-researcher collaborations can mitigate this power differential. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and researchers in our field have vastly different responsibilities and priorities that impact our ability to work collaboratively to solve the most pressing problems for the clients we serve. Although some current research practices may reinforce a power differential causing clinicians to feel less than and to only consume knowledge, there are examples of successful collaborations where this power differential is mitigated. These examples can contribute meaningfully to the dialogue on research-practice partnerships, with the goal of improving outcomes for the clients we serve.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
ORCID ID

0000-0002-4052-1423

DOI
10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00207
Citation Information
Natalie Douglas, Jacqueline Hinckley, Kate Grandbois, Megan Schliep, et al.. "How a Power Differential Between Clinicians and Researchers Contributes to the Research-to-Practice Gap" American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Vol. 32 Iss. 2 (2023) p. 803 - 810 ISSN: 1058-0360
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jacqueline-hinckley/11/