How a Power Differential Between Clinicians and Researchers Contributes to the Research-to-Practice Gap.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to contend that there is a power differential between researchers and clinicians where researchers are the primary creators of knowledge and clinicians are the primary consumers of knowledge. Rooted in a sociological model illustrating interacting levels of power at macro-, meso-, and microlevels, we argue that authentic research-practice partnerships and clinician-researcher collaborations can mitigate this power differential.

Conclusions: Clinicians and researchers in our field have vastly different responsibilities and priorities that impact our ability to work collaboratively to solve the most pressing problems for the clients we serve.