Becoming a clinician researcher in allied health

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desley Harvey ◽  
David Plummer ◽  
Ilsa Nielsen ◽  
Robyn Adams ◽  
Tilley Pain
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Research Career ◽  
Career Trajectory ◽  
Research Relationships

Objective Combining research with clinical practice has benefits for health services and practitioners. There is limited information available on strategies used by health professionals to balance research with high clinical service demands. The aims of the present study were to examine how research is initiated and to identify the factors that influence the successful integration of research into a clinical work role. Methods Semistructured recursive-style interviews were conducted with 15 research-active allied health professionals at regional health services using a combination of criterion and purposive sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using constant comparative techniques to identify dominant themes, which were integrated to create a conceptual model. Results Becoming a clinician researcher involved four phases: (1) a research debut; (2) building momentum; (3) developing a track record; and (4) becoming an established clinician researcher. A research debut was enabled by pre-entry exposure to research or through quality activities, predisposing personal characteristics and research opportunities at work. Quarantined time for research, a research-friendly workplace culture and supportive research relationships enabled a clinician to thrive as a researcher despite the challenges. Conclusion The clinician researcher career trajectory contributes to a better understanding of how a research career commences and develops in clinical settings. It may assist to develop strategies to support research capacity building. What is known about the topic? There are potential benefits for clinicians and health services that flow from incorporating research into clinical roles. Factors that motivate, enable and constrain allied health research in clinical settings have been identified, but little is known about how a research career is initiated and progresses over time. What does this paper add? The present study contributes an important career path understanding to the successful development of research capacity from a clinician perspective. The clinician researcher career trajectory delineates four phases and identifies enabling and constraining factors. The study highlights the combination of factors that can initiate a research debut and lead clinicians to thrive as researchers. What are the implications for practitioners? Conducting research can provide an opportunity for a professional challenge and increased job satisfaction. A research-friendly environment, supportive research relationships and quarantined time for research contribute to research output in clinical settings.

scholarly journals Clinical supervision for allied health staff: necessary but not sufficient

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra G. Leggat ◽  
Bev Phillips ◽  
Philippa Pearce ◽  
Margaret Dawson ◽  
Debbie Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Clinical Governance ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives The aim of the present study was to explore the perspectives of allied health professionals on appropriate content for effective clinical supervision of staff. Methods A set of statements regarding clinical supervision was identified from the literature and confirmed through a Q-sort process. The final set was administered as an online survey to 437 allied health professionals working in two Australian health services. Results Of the 120 respondents, 82 had experienced six or more clinical supervision sessions and were included in the analysis. Respondents suggested that clinical supervision was beneficial to both staff and patients, and was distinct from line management performance monitoring and development. Curiously, some of the respondents did not agree that observation of the supervisee’s clinical practice was an aspect of clinical supervision. Conclusions Although clinical supervision is included as a pillar of clinical governance, current practice may not be effective in addressing clinical risk. Australian health services need clear organisational policies that outline the relationship between supervisor and supervisee, the role and responsibilities of managers, the involvement of patients and the types of situations to be communicated to the line managers. What is known about the topic? Clinical supervision for allied health professionals is an essential component of clinical governance and is aimed at ensuring safe and high-quality care. However, there is varied understanding of the relationship between clinical supervision and performance management. What does this paper add? This paper provides the perspectives of allied health professionals who are experienced as supervisors or who have experienced supervision. The findings suggest a clear role for clinical supervision that needs to be better recognised within organisational policy and procedure. What are the implications for practitioners? Supervisors and supervisees must remember their duty of care and ensure compliance with organisational policies in their clinical supervisory practices.

scholarly journals An assessment of the needs of oncology outpatients for the development of Allied Health Services

2000 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam McGrath ◽  
Veronica Corcoran ◽  
Angela O'Malia
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Mater Hospital ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Practical Information ◽  
Theoretical Issues

This article presents the findings of a study that arose out of the desire by the Allied Health Professionals(AHP) at the Mater Hospital, Brisbane, to better understand the needs of their clients in order to beable to offer a more effective and appropriate service. A questionnaire designed specifically to explorethe needs of patients and their families for AHP services was administered to consecutive patients(n=62) attending the Mater out-patient oncology clinic during one month. The findings provide awealth of practical information for AHPs to use in planning for the effective utilisation of their services,as well as fresh insights into a number of theoretical issues that need further research.

scholarly journals Building research capacity in musculoskeletal health: qualitative evaluation of a graduate Nurse and Allied Health Professional internship programme

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Wright ◽  
Mary Fry ◽  
Jo Adams ◽  
Catherine Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Health Professional ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Building Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Allied Health Professional

Abstract Background: Evidence based practice enhances service planning and delivery, clinical decision making and patient care. However, health professionals often lack the time and opportunity to access or generate evidence. Research capacity building is thus an important mechanism for improving health service delivery. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a UK-wide Nurse and Allied Health Professional musculoskeletal research internship programme in which graduates applied to undertake their internship through one of five Higher Education Institutions. The evaluation explores the experiences of interns and their mentors.Methods: Sixteen new graduates completed the internship programme (September 2015 – August 2018). Twelve interns and thirteen mentors participated in the evaluation. The evaluation used qualitative asynchronous email-based interviews to explore the experiences of interns and mentors. Interpretive phenomenological analysis of coded transcripts identified principal themes.Results: Early research outputs from the interns include three peer reviewed publications and 21 conference abstract presentations. Two interns were in full time research at the time of interview or had a research component in their clinical role. Nine interns in clinical posts disclosed plans to return to research in the near future. Seven themes were identified: the impact on interns’ careers; personal impact (for example, influence on self-confidence); impact on clinical practice; drivers for applying; intervention design (for example, attitudes concerning the timing and duration of the intervention); mentorship and networking (including general support provided and quality of career advice); challenges.Conclusion: The internship programme is an effective model in building research capacity in musculoskeletal research for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals, influencing careers, building confidence and improving clinical practice. The internship programme has the potential to be replicable to other clinical contexts nationally and internationally.

scholarly journals Context Matters: Findings from a Qualitative Study Exploring Service and Place Factors Influencing the Recruitment and Retention of Allied Health Professionals in Rural Australian Public Health Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Cosgrave
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Public Sector Health

Chronic health workforce shortages significantly contribute to unmet health care needs in rural and remote communities. Of particular and growing concern are shortages of allied health professionals (AHPs). This study explored the contextual factors impacting the recruitment and retention of AHPs in rural Australia. A qualitative approach using a constructivist-interpretivist methodology was taken. Semi-structured interviews (n = 74) with executive staff, allied health (AH) managers and newly recruited AHPs working in two rural public health services in Victoria, Australia were conducted. Data was coded and categorised inductively and analysed thematically. The findings suggest that to support a stable and sustainable AH workforce, rural public sector health services need to be more efficient, strategic and visionary. This means ensuring that policies and procedures are equitable and accessible, processes are effective, and action is taken to develop local programs, opportunities and supports that allow AH staff to thrive and grow in place at all grade levels and life stages. This study reinforces the need for a whole-of-community approach to effectively support individual AH workers and their family members in adjusting to a new place and developing a sense of belonging in place. The recommendations arising from this study are likely to have utility for other high-income countries, particularly in guiding AH recruitment and retention strategies in rural public sector health services. Recommendations relating to community/place will likely benefit broader rural health workforce initiatives.

scholarly journals Building Allied Health Research Capacity at a Regional Australian Hospital: A Follow-up Study.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilley Pain ◽  
Michelle Petersen ◽  
Malindu Fernando
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Research Profile

Purpose This study determined if research experience increased among allied health professionals (AHPs) at a regional tertiary hospital following a research capacity building initiative. Methods A cross sectional electronic survey was used to collect data from allied health professionals on their research experience, research support needs, enablers and barriers to research and their perceptions regarding benefits of research. A baseline survey was conducted in 2011 which was compared to a follow up survey in 2015. Comparison of variables between the two surveys used Chi squared tests. Results The response rate for the 2011 survey was 43% (n=248) while the 2015 survey achieved a 37% response rate (n=234). There was a significant increase in allied health professionals research experience as well as need for research support between the 2011 and 2015 surveys in many (but not all) activities on the research continuum. Time availability was the greatest barrier and the perceived benefit of research was to improve clinical care. Conclusions This study demonstrates a significant increase in allied health professionals research experience over the four years of capacity building. However, the increase has not reached the level where it is recorded by traditional research outcome measures such as publication. The greatest barrier to allied health professionals conducting research is time. Therefore, investment in clinician-researcher career pathways may increase research capacity of allied health practitioners to increase publication output. The implication of this research is that allied professionals’ research profile is unlikely to increase without significant input of time or resources to allow them to conduct research.

scholarly journals Developing a Consolidated Research Career Framework for Allied Health Professionals in the UK

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Deborah Harris ◽  
Kate Grafton ◽  
Jo Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Career ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Research Frameworks ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) form a significant part of the healthcare workforce, and have a great potential to improve services through research and research-informed practice. However, there is a lack of tradition in undertaking research alongside practice in these professional groups. Barriers include clinical caseload pressures, a lack of training and consequent lack of confidence in practitioners. Practice managers are ill-equipped to monitor and guide staff research development. Uni-professional knowledge & skills frameworks can act as further barriers to research culture across the healthcare system that is moving toward multi-disciplinary research focussing on the patient. A common framework, acceptable to all AHPs might be helpful in planning and developing clinical career pathways. Aim: to develop a consolidated research career framework to help plan and guide research activity throughout AHP clinical-academic careers. The study was conducted in three phases. Methods Phase one identified existing AHP research frameworks (AHPRF) through expert consultations and literature searches. Phase two involved Framework Analysis of the AHPRFs to develop a single consolidated framework. Phase three included a workshop with experts to validate and adapt the framework for practice. Results 19 AHPRFs were identified. A consolidated framework was shaped by analysis of the AHPRFs resulting in a consolidated framework of eight sections, each containing a series of statements. Each section relates to an analytic theme within the thematic analysis, and the statements were based on sub-categories of themes. The final framework was further shaped by the phase three workshop into a set of ‘stem’ statements that can be adapted to reflect different levels of expertise and the inclusion of a set of guiding principles developed through expert consultation. Conclusion The consolidated framework was entitled ‘Shaping Better Practice Through Research: A Practitioner Framework’ by stakeholders, thus emphasising its ambition to embed research activity into practice. It instigates a new perspective within AHP research by offering practitioners and managers a tool that can be applied across public, private and voluntary settings for AHPs in all disciplines. Its ambition is to develop capacity in the AHPs that can undertake research to improve services and the health of service users.

scholarly journals Building research capacity in musculoskeletal health: qualitative evaluation of a graduate Nurse and Allied Health Professional internship programme

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Wright ◽  
Mary Fry ◽  
Jo Adams ◽  
Catherine Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Health Professional ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Building Research ◽  
Allied Health Professional

Abstract Background: Evidence based practice enhances service planning and delivery, clinical decision making and patient care. However, health professionals often lack the time and opportunity to access or generate evidence. Research capacity building is thus an important mechanism for improving health service delivery. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Nurse and Allied Health Professional musculoskeletal research internship programme and explores the experiences of interns and their mentors. Methods: Sixteen new graduates completed the internship programme (September 2015 – August 2018). Twelve interns and thirteen mentors participated in the evaluation. The evaluation used qualitative asynchronous email-based interviews to explore the experiences of interns and mentors. Interpretive phenomenological analysis of coded transcripts identified principal themes. Results: Early research outputs from the interns include three peer reviewed publications and 21 conference abstract presentations. Two interns were in full time research at the time of interview or had a research component in their clinical role. Nine interns in clinical posts disclosed plans to return to research in the near future. Seven themes were identified: the impact on interns’ careers (e.g. changing perceptions of research); personal impact (e.g. confidence); impact on clinical practice (e.g. supporting evidence based practice); drivers for applying (e.g. assisting career choices); intervention design (e.g. appropriate timing and duration); mentorship and networking (e.g. general support and advice on career pathways); challenges (e.g. continuing with research when in full time clinical practice). Conclusion: The internship programme is an effective model in building research capacity in MSK research for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals, influencing careers, building confidence and improving clinical practice. The internship programme has the potential to be replicable to other clinical contexts nationally and internationally.

Health Portals

2011 ◽  
pp. 431-436
Author(s):  
Daniel Carbone
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
Illness Behaviour ◽  
Delivery Of Health Services

A lack of health services has long been the thorn in the side of many communities, especially rural and regional communities. The high costs of treating ever growing chronic and complex conditions in traditional settings, where rural allied health services providers are non-existent and doctors are already overcommitted, are prompting a shift in focus to more efficient technology driven delivery of health services. Moreover, these days it is also increasingly unlikely that health professionals will encounter patients who have not used information technology to influence their health knowledge, health behaviour, perception of symptoms, and illness behaviour.

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