The relationship between research and service development: an illustrative example of a pilot study introducing complementary therapies into primary care

In this paper the commissioners of an evaluation and the researchers jointly review the relationship between research and service development at a local level in an evaluated health authority pilot project to introduce complementary therapies into primary care. The article discusses the importance of organisational arrangements between the research and the service development, focusing on the close working relationship between researchers and stakeholders in the research and corresponding service development. The relationship between the research and service development was not linear and the benefits were not based solely on outcomes of the treatment but also on the ways the evaluation gave insight into how the pilot service was delivered. Factors such as personal commitment to the project, and close working relationships by all concerned are important. These elements are rarely emphasised but have to be taken into account if evidence‐based health care is to achieve its potential.