Research Productivity in Rehabilitation, Disability, and Allied Health Programs: A Focus Group Perspective on Minority-Serving Institutions

Purpose: The article outlines select individual and institutional factors that could contribute to rehabilitation, disability, and health research productivity among minority-serving institutions (MSIs; i.e., historically Black colleges/universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and American Indian tribal colleges/universities). Method: We conducted 1 focus group with 12 faculty members from MSIs to identify their perceptions on research productivity factors. Both purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed. An open coding approach was used to generate themes and codes, and the analysis was completed using NVivo (Version 10). Results: Focus group discussion led to the identification of several factors that influence rehabilitation, disability, and health research productivity at MSIs. Such identified factors included, but were not limited to, heavy teaching and service loads, time management issues, lack of collaboration, limited mentors, insufficient financial resources, inadeqaute administrative and research culture, and insufficient state and donor funding. Focus group participants also suggested relevant topics and sources as informational materials for improving scientific productivity. Conclusion: The findings point to the need for MSIs to make greater financial and intellectual investments in their research infrastructure and culture. Moreover, federal research agencies should also consider making greater research capacity building and research and development funding investments at these institutions.