Table 2 IKT enablers, barriers, and outcomes

Barriers (9)

Differing needs and priorities among participants

5

Lack of skill in or understanding of IKT processes

5

Attitudes about researchers or the value of research

4

Goals, roles, and expectations not clear

3

Lack of incentives to participate

3

Lack of funding or infrastructure for IKT

2

Little continuity of involvement due to staff turnover, infrequent attendance

2

Participants are busy with multiple responsibilities

1

Geographic distant imposes limits on interaction

1

Enablers (15)

Multiple and varied opportunities for interaction

4

Strong leadership commitment, skill, and experience

3

Phased approach to develop shared language, achieve early successes

3

Support from facilitators, champions, and boundary spanners

2

Clear and agreed upon goals, roles, and expectations

2

Immersion of researchers in decision-maker setting/co-location

2

Formalized branding, structures, and processes

2

Establish partnership early in the research process

1

Openness of partners to listen, learn, and adapt

1

Organizational support for decision-makers to meaningfully contribute

1

Dedicated funding

1

Shared governance structures

1

Built on preexisting relationship

1

Availability of data to inform activities

1

Periodic external review to assess progress

1

Positive outcomes (12)

Capacity developed by researchers and decision-makers

7

Decision-makers grew to value research

4

Developed an appreciation for the collaborative process

3

Enhanced relevance of the research

3

Decision-maker involvement sustained through entire process

2

Enhanced mutual understanding of language, work style, needs, and constraints

2

Number of collaborative projects undertaken/completed

2

Influenced policy-making

2

Influenced service delivery

1

Increased diversity of involved partners

1

Strengthened relationships, trust, and goodwill

1

Emergence of community leaders

1

Mixed outcomes (7)

Decision-maker involvement varied across activities

1

Failure to overcome differences and bridge boundaries

1

Collaborations were temporary

1

Little to no research produced

1

Research not used in policy-making

1

Greater emphasis on research publications than stakeholder engagement

1

Benefits only beginning to emerge

1