Transforming research systems for meaningful engagement: a reflexive thematic analysis of spinal cord injury researchers' barriers and facilitators to using the integrated knowledge translation guiding principles.

PURPOSE: To develop an in-depth understanding of spinal cord injury (SCI) researchers' barriers and facilitators to deciding to use 1) a partnered approach to research and, 2) systematically developed principles for guiding Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) in spinal cord injury research (IKT Guiding Principles).

METHODS: Qualitative interview study with North American SCI researchers who were interested in using a partnered research approach. The research was conducted using an IKT approach, and interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Thirteen SCI researchers whose research focused on prevention, clinical, rehabilitation, and/or community SCI research were interviewed. Three themes were co-constructed with partners: 1) the principles are necessary but not sufficient for the implementation of a partnered approach to research; 2) relational capacity building is needed; and 3) institutional transformation is needed to value, resource, and support meaningful engagement.

CONCLUSIONS: Supporting change that enables SCI researchers to adopt and implement the IKT Guiding Principles will require transformation at the individual ( theme 1 ), relational ( theme 2 ), and institutional levels ( theme 3 ). Findings provide clear, practical, and tangible actions to promote change that can support meaningful engagement in the SCI Research System.