Reflections of occupational therapists working as members of a research team

Aim: This qualitative study explored the effects of clinician participation in a randomised clinical trial on subsequent practice. Method: Eight occupational therapists responded to open-ended questions delivered by email about their reflections on participating in clinical research and its impact on their practice. Qualitative analysis uncovered therapists' motivation to participate in research, what they felt that they gained, and if and how research participation influenced practice. Results: Clinicians learned about research, practice, and their own clinical biases through their participation in clinical research. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that participation in research may contribute to shrinking the research-practice gap.