Abstract
This study presents the perspectives of academic-VA partners who have recently completed a randomized clinical trial within a VA outpatient clinic. The authors reflect on the challenges and rewards of implementing academic-VA community clinical research partnerships with the aim of assisting new VA investigators and VA collaborators. Staff resistance, time demands, processing delays, and unforeseen barriers represent challenges. However, they are balanced by numerous rewards, including establishment of a research clinic, innovative staff training, and advancement of effectiveness knowledge in community settings. Implications and recommendations for successful VA-academic partnerships are described to help future projects minimize challenges and maximize rewards.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the following individuals for their work on the project: Erin Almklov, MA, Noel Espejo, Ph.D., Michelle Rozenman, M.A., Vandana Aspen, M.A., Steve Hickman, Psy.D., Rochelle Voth, Ph.D., Gregory Fonzo, M.A., Allison Kaup, M.A., Joshua Greco, Ph.D., Polly Carmona, R.N., Aaron Baker, M.A., and Michelle Craske, Ph.D. This project utilized resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Conflict of interest
The authors report no competing interests. The research was supported by a Career Development Award (CSRD-068-10S) from the Clinical Science R&D Program of the Veterans Health Administration awarded to Catherine Ayers, Ph.D. (PI). The contents do not reflect the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. This project was also supported by the Mind and Life Nonprofit Institute awarded to Joanna Arch, Ph.D. (PI).
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Ayers, C., Arch, J. VA-Academic Partnerships: Challenges and Rewards for New VA Mental Health Investigators. Community Ment Health J 49, 709–713 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9575-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9575-1