Episode Description
In the final installment of the Research in Practice series, Jason Luoma focuses on turning ideas into action. After establishing the organizational incentives in Part 1 and the financial infrastructure in Part 2, this episode provides a practical roadmap for launching and sustaining a research program within a clinical practice.
Jason walks through the minimum infrastructure needed to get started, from selecting an IRB pathway and building data management systems to hiring key research personnel and creating team routines that keep projects moving forward. He also shares a step-by-step 90-day pilot plan designed to help clinics complete their first practice-based research study while laying the foundation for a long-term research program.
Many of the concepts discussed throughout this series build upon Jason Luoma and Jennifer LeJeune’s work on the integrated scientist-practitioner model and using social enterprise principles to sustainably fund research within fee-for-service clinical settings.
In this episode, you’ll learn…
- The minimum infrastructure needed to begin conducting clinical research
- How to choose an IRB pathway and streamline research administration
- The key roles that support a successful research program and how they work together
- Why simple organizational routines create long-term research momentum
- How small practice-based studies can become the foundation for a thriving research program
- A practical 90-day roadmap for launching your first clinical research study
Tips from the episode
On building research infrastructure…
- Start with simple systems before adding complexity.
- Reuse templates and standardized documents whenever possible.
- Develop clear data management and security procedures from the beginning.
On creating a research community…
- Define clear research roles and responsibilities.
- Hold short, consistent meetings to maintain momentum.
- Build a sustainable pipeline of students and trainees.
On getting your first study started…
- Begin with a feasible, low-burden practice-based project.
- Track recruitment, data quality, and feasibility alongside research outcomes.
- Share early successes to build credibility and attract future collaborators.
Practical takeaways
- Choose your first research question and identify your study team.
- Schedule recurring research meetings and protected writing time.
- Follow a structured 90-day implementation plan from planning through project completion.
Links from this Episode:
- LeJeune, J.T. & Luoma, J.B. (2017). Using social enterprise concepts to create a sustainable culture to fund research in a fee-for-service setting . In R.T. Codd (Ed.), Practice-Based Research: A Guide for Clinicians. Routledge Press.
- LeJeune, J.T., & Luoma, J.B. (2015). The Integrated Scientist-Practitioner: A New Model for Combining Research and Clinical Practice in Fee-For-Service Settings. Professional Psychology Research & Practice46(6), 421-428. Download here.
- Portland Psychotherapy’s Publications
- Portland Psychotherapy’s research lab page
Research Matters Podcast is hosted by Jason Luoma, who can be found on Twitter @jasonluoma or Facebook at: facebook.com/jasonluomaphd. You download the podcast through iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify. Reach out with suggestions, questions, or comments to researchmatterspod@gmail.com.
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