A realist evaluation of social care practitioners' experiences with and understanding of applied healthcare research

Social care practitioners are often under-represented in research activity and output. This article presents findings from a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded realist evaluation to understand and explain how, why, for whom, and in what contexts mental health social care practitioners engage with research. The study uses a current NIHR-funded study-REalist Synthesis Of non-pharmacologicaL interVEntions for antipsychotic-induced weight gain (RESOLVE)-as an illustrative example. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eighteen social care practitioners (SCPs) and data were analysed using a realist logic of analysis. Our refined programme theory describes SCPs' current knowledge and interests in research, influenced by healthcare culture; their relationships with other healthcare professionals; protected time opportunities; and tailored invitations to hear their perspectives on healthcare needs of their clients. Underpinning the programme theory are seven context-mechanism-outcome configurations that propose evidence-informed contextually-sensitive causal explanations (i.e. mechanisms) that either facilitate or impede practitioners' engagement with research. These findings highlight the need to provide tailored support to SCPs and build collaborative relationships with academics and other research-active health professionals. Better understanding of research engagement by SCPs will allow for evidence-based practice and better patient outcomes within these settings. Social care practitioners (SCPs) are often not involved enough in research activities. To address this, recent efforts have focused on encouraging a research-oriented culture within social care. This article discusses findings from a study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) that aims to understand how and why mental health SCPs engage with research. The study uses an ongoing NIHR-funded project, RESOLVE, which explores non-drug treatments for weight gain caused by antipsychotic medications, as an illustrative example. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen SCPs and data were analysed using realist evaluation, a research approach that aims to explore how and why a particular phenomenon works (or does not) in specific contexts. Findings revealed that SCPs' research engagement is shaped by several factors: their existing knowledge and interest in research, the broader culture of healthcare, relationships with colleagues and managers, opportunities for dedicated time, and invitations to share their views on client needs. The research identified seven specific factors that can either help or hinder SCPs' participation in research. These findings suggest that providing tailored support and fostering partnerships with academics and other research professionals could enhance SCPs' involvement in research. This would ultimately lead to more evidence-based practices and better outcomes for patients.