Trial, Error and Radical Revision as Our Compass in Engaged Research

Abstract

The manuscript identifies the challenges and solutions of our work in rolling out a communication training curriculum to teach providers about palliative care communication. Namely, we share our motivation to “go big” by expanding our scope and audience without knowing how to reach the target audience, the trials and tribulations of publicizing our work and recognizing that these efforts would not count towards tenure and promotion, and that flexibility and radical revision were necessary to meet the needs of non-academics. Although engagement is daunting work, we continue to be motivated by the possibility of improving communication in healthcare and to see the bigger picture of benefit for ourselves, our families, providers, and patients.

Keywords:

• Engaged Research
• Translational Research
• Palliative Care