Bridging theory and practice: a qualitative interview study of barriers to and facilitators of research collaborations between academia and public health services in Germany.

backgroundEvidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) is essential for developing and implementing health policies and public health measures that promote, maintain and protect population health. Effective EIDM requires equitable collaboration between academia and practice to foster bilateral knowledge translation and exchange (KTE). This study analyses the barriers and facilitators influencing engagement in such research collaborations within Germany's public health service (PHS).

methodsWe conducted 23 key informant interviews with 24 experts engaged in or collaborating with Germany's PHS to explore experiences with PHS research, knowledge transfer, collaboration and training. The interviews, conducted in pairs, were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically via a coding frame developed through a deductive‒inductive approach. The COM-B Model of Behaviour Change was applied to categorize barriers and facilitators affecting individuals' and organizations' capability, opportunity and motivation to engage in academia‒practice collaboration.

resultsThe analysis revealed the importance of combined approaches that integrate informal networks, formal partnerships, research collaborations and capacity-building initiatives to foster local evidence ecosystems, ensuring bilateral KTE between academia and practice to support EIDM at the local level. Ten key barriers and 35 facilitators capable of addressing these challenges were identified. Strategies to address capability and opportunity barriers included workforce development with dedicated research time, on-the-job training, streamlined administrative processes, long-term funding mechanisms, strengthened relationships between academia and PHS and improved access to research infrastructure and local settings. Financial and educational incentives, adequate incentive structures, an evidence-informed culture within the PHS, and equitable partnerships based on mutual recognition were highlighted as essential motivators. Based on these findings, we developed a conceptual framework reflecting the interconnected nature of barriers and facilitators.

conclusionsSustainable academia‒practice collaboration is crucial for bridging the knowledge‒action gap and thereby strengthening EIDM in PHS. However, Germany's PHS lacks institutionally anchored partnerships to strengthen bilateral KTE and EIDM at the local level. The proposed KTE framework provides actionable pathways to bridge gaps between academia and PHS, fostering sustainable and effective collaboration. It can be used to systemically assess factors influencing engagement in equitable partnerships and guide the development of solutions tailored to local needs, supporting EIDM processes at the local level.