Therapists' Perceptions of Participating in a Large Research Study: Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Practice

Aims: Clinician participation in research is important to expand clinical research. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of such participation. The purpose of this survey-based study was to describe school-based physical therapists' perceptions of the impact, benefits, and challenges of research participation.Methods: Participants were school-based physical therapists (n = 67) who had been research personnel in a year-long study. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their experiences participating in the study.Results: Most therapists (59%) perceived that participating in the study improved their competency as a school-based PT a small extent. Participation impacted some therapists a moderate to a great extent in their student assessments (43%), decision-making (28%), and team collaboration (25%). Almost all therapists (96%) responded that they would participate in research again. Researchers identified three themes regarding benefits of participating in research: 1) research and promoting the growth of the profession, 2) support for and expansion of my school-based practice, and 3) reflective practitioner. Researchers identified four themes regarding challenges of participating in research: 1) administrative aspects; 2) time; 3) training; and 4) implementing the tools.Conclusions: Findings from this study support therapist participation in research, and have implications for clinicians, supervisors, and researchers.