Transforming research systems for meaningful engagement: a reflexive thematic analysis of spinal cord injury researchers’ barriers and facilitators to using the integrated knowledge translation guiding principles

To develop an in-depth understanding of spinal cord injury (SCI) researchers’ barriers and facilitators to deciding to use 1) a partnered approach to research and, 2) systematically developed principles for guiding Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) in spinal cord injury research (IKT Guiding Principles). Qualitative interview study with North American SCI researchers who were interested in using a partnered research approach. The research was conducted using an IKT approach, and interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Thirteen SCI researchers whose research focused on prevention, clinical, rehabilitation, and/or community SCI research were interviewed. Three themes were co-constructed with partners: 1) the principles are necessary but not sufficient for the implementation of a partnered approach to research; 2) relational capacity building is needed; and 3) institutional transformation is needed to value, resource, and support meaningful engagement. Supporting change that enables SCI researchers to adopt and implement the IKT Guiding Principles will require transformation at the individual ( theme 1 ), relational ( theme 2 ), and institutional levels ( theme 3 ). Findings provide clear, practical, and tangible actions to promote change that can support meaningful engagement in the SCI Research System. Providing researchers with clear, procedural information and strategies to use each of the Integrated Knowledge Translation Guiding Principles in practice can support the implementation of the principles and partnered research in rehabilitation-based research. Fostering and evaluating resources and initiatives that help researchers network, build connections, and receive mentorship could help spinal cord injury researchers partner more effectively. Academic, research, and funding systems must ensure their practices, structures, culture, and processes enable, value, resource, support, and/or incentivize partnered research to ensure the research being conducted is relevant and useful in ...