Developing partnerships in mental health to bridge the research-practitioner gap

PURPOSE. An overview of approaches used in contemporary mental health research to consider when coordinating research agendas is presented. Connections between the research-practice gap and evidence-based practice are explored. Collaboration, as a key concept and practice, is investigated particularly in relation to community and consumer participation in mental health research. CONCLUSIONS. Non-commensurate belief systems, inadequate infrastructure, and institutional tendencies maintain the status quo and constitute significant impediments to widespread planned and integrated research programs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Communication and trust building between researchers and practitioners is central to developing effective collaborations that can deliver more effective health care