Introduction: Collaborative research networks are increasingly used as an effective mechanism for accelerating knowledge transfer into policy and practice. Academic research networks, serve to facilitate collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and problem-solving within the academic and research community. Increased connectivity and collaboration have advantages, such as knowledge transfer and an increase in cited, co-authored works.
Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods investigation into research priorities held within the Australian chiropractic profession. The study examined perspectives on several principal research domains and sought suggestions for future research. Opinions were also sought regarding the provision of funding of research scholarships, practice-based research networks, scientific conferences and symposia, the dissemination of research findings through membership supported journals, and the alignment of research efforts with existing research agendas.
Results: The response rate from full time equivalent (FTE) academics (n=18/41) was 44%, for casuals and part-time chiropractic academics (n=15/179) 8%, and ACORN database chiropractic practitioners (n=340/1580) 21.5%. There are many areas of broad agreement, however, disagreement was identified between academics/researchers, and practitioners with respect to some priorities for future research topics and perspectives on key elements driving research decision-making and funding.
Conclusion: Within a virtual community, the proposal is made to link practitioners and practice-based networks with academic and researcher networks. Commercialization of the network would be a way of ensuring sustainability. A database of consumers within or linked to the network would allow unprecedented access to a cohort of people who use chiropractic services. (J Contemporary Chiropr 2024;7:1-13) Key Indexing Terms: Chiropractic; Health Care; Health Personnel; Demography; Fellowships and Scholarships; Insurance; Registries; Research
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