This is the story of how a research team formed an alliance with state long-term care ombudsmen to develop a national database of resident complaints. Beginning with background information on problem identification and analysis, the article focuses on lessons learned in building alliances between practitioners and researchers, in recognizing individual site needs, in advocating for credible dissemination of findings, and in acknowledging philosophical and political differences. The article stresses the importance of tenacity in seeking funding for projects that empower practitioners to truly advocate for the needs of vulnerable populations.

Mode of access: Internet.