Factors Associated With Successful Research Departments A Qualitative Analysis of Family Medicine Research Bright Spots

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inadequate resources have led to family medicine research divisions at varying stages of development. The purpose of this analysis was to identify the factors that family medicine research “bright spot” departments perceive to be crucial to their success. METHODS: In this qualitative analysis, we identified bright spot dimensions and used a snowball sampling approach to identify medical school-based departments considered to be research bright spots. With 16 leaders from eight departments, we conducted semistructured interviews, covering historical events, leadership, partnerships, mentors, faculty selection, and training. We recorded and transcribed interviews and used a template-driven approach to data analysis, iteratively defining and modifying codes. At least two reviewers independently coded each interview, and coding discrepancies were discussed until consensus was reached. RESULTS: We identified the following themes: (1) Leadership was committed to research; (2) Research was built around teams of researchers; (3) Interdisciplinary teams facilitated by partnerships allowed the department to tackle complex problems; (4) The convergence of researchers and clinicians ensured that the research was relevant to family medicine; (5) Departments had cultures that engendered trust, leading to effective collaboration; (6) These teams were composed of intrinsically motivated individuals supported by mentorship and resources; (7) When deciding which questions to pursue, departments balanced the question’s alignment with the individual researcher’s passion, relevance to family medicine, and fundability. CONCLUSIONS: A commitment to research from an engaged chair, partnerships, integrating front-line clinicians, and supporting intrinsically motivated individuals were important for bright spots. Applying these concepts may be an important strategy for generating knowledge.