Collaborating with policymakers to produce applied research: A case study of the military's Integrated Disability Evaluation System

Background: Policymakers and researchers rarely collaborate on the execution of research, despite relying on each other’s work. Bridging this gap can be beneficial to both parties. Community-based participatory research theorizes that more just and effective research results from involving the community of interest throughout the research process (development, delivery and evaluation).  In this study, policymakers are considered the community. Through a case study of the military’s Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), we examine the feasibility of engaging policymakers in the formation of research questions and conducting resulting research.

Methods: We used a case study design and conducted 26 in-depth interviews with legislators, their staffs and representatives from the Veterans Administration, Military and Veteran Service Organizations. We selected key informants through purposeful sampling and used snowball sampling to identify additional informants. We coded the data at three levels and reassembled the coded data according to themes.

Results: Policymakers were amenable to participation in this study and indicated they would like to be involved in future academic research. They also indicated a need for policy relevant academic research, in part because academia is viewed as “credible” and trustworthy, unlike other sources of information. Policymakers were also provided concrete recommendations for a survey to evaluate IDES.  

Conclusion: While researchers must be wary of tension between political parties and between legislators and administrative agencies, there is an opportunity to involve policymakers in the research process. Engaging in this type of relationship potentially increases the likelihood that research will inform policy.