Building research capacity amongst kinesiologists: results from a mixed methods study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this initial evaluation was to explore the feasibility of ways to introduce research activities to kinesiologists.

METHODS: After training, six practitioners participated in an audit. They recorded symptom data on new patients attending in November 2005 with follow-up by 28 February 2006. Five therapists were subsequently interviewed about their experiences.

RESULTS: Strategies enhancing therapist participation included targeting and recruiting potential audit enthusiasts amongst the therapist population, using personalized approaches to recruit, train and support therapists, keeping the audit small by working in-depth with a limited number of kinesiologists and helping therapists to "own" the process. A total of 28 patients participated in the audit. The composite MYMOP profile score showed a mean difference of 1.78 (95% CI: 1.28, 2.28).

CONCLUSION: With targeted strategies engaging kinesiologists, and potentially other professional complementary therapists, in research activities is possible.