Bridging the research-practice gap: A reflective account of research work

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Abstract
A growing body of knowledge attests to the idea that research is socially constructed. As such, researchers and the context of research may affect the types of questions which are posed, the methodologies used and the interpretation of the results. In nursing this has led to calls for a greater espousal of reflexivity by researchers, and a plea for a more open and critical reporting of the `process' of research. This study is a response to this plea. It describes the process by which the authors of a study which examined the culture of research in three NHS trusts, reflected on, and attempted to expose, hitherto hidden factors which affected the work. The methods used were bracketing, reflective diaries and a post-analysis reflective discussion. Thematic analysis of these data indicated that several factors related to both the experience and the background of the authors, and the context of the study affected its course. The reflective process was also valuable in unearthing certain `taken for granted knowledge' which, if acted on earlier, would have improved the rigour of the work. The authors advocate that researchers and funders need to reflect in a more structured way on the studies that they pursue. Furthermore, this open style of reporting may assist in bridging the gap between academics and practitioners by illustrating some of the dilemmas, uncertainties and contingencies which affect most research projects.