The role of mentors in integrating research and practice

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of brokerage as a vehicle for integrating research and practice within the mentor role in the Practitioner Research: Older People Programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The main component is a reflective analysis of the experience of mentoring three practitioners working within an NHS acute hospital environment.

Findings

Mentors played a key role integrating research into the practitioner ' s work environment as well as supporting achievement of the programme objectives. Personal reflection highlighted four components: being a research advisor; supporting the practitioner; quality assuring the process; and championing practitioner-research. A key element linking each of these components was that of being a knowledge broker, which accorded with the concept of “boundary-spanning”, whereby the practitioners fulfilled a new role of being both practitioners and researchers. Mentors adopted different approaches, which were partly influenced by geographical proximity and their relative position in the partner organisation.

Practical implications

Mentors fulfil a crucial role brokering the worlds of research and practice and need to be able to tailor their support to individual needs.

Originality/value

The notion of brokerage as a way of integrating the practitioner-researcher role is a useful way to conceptualise the mentor role.

Citation

MacArthur, J. (2014), "The role of mentors in integrating research and practice", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 117-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICA-04-2014-0016