Research culture in a regional allied health setting

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Borkowski ◽  
Carol McKinstry ◽  
Matthew Cotchett
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Research Culture ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Regional Area ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Conducting Research

Research evidence is required to guide best practice, inform policy and improve the health of communities. Current indicators consider allied health research culture to be low. This study aimed to measure the allied health research culture and capacity in a Victorian regional health service. The Research Capacity and Culture tool was used to evaluate research capacity and culture across individual, team and organisation domains. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences between allied health professions, whereas responses to open-ended questions were themed using open coding. One hundred thirty-six allied health professionals completed the survey. There were statistically significant differences in the organisation domain between social work, physiotherapy and occupational therapy professions; in the team domain, between social work and all other professions. Motivators for conducting research included providing a high-quality service, developing skills and increasing job satisfaction. Barriers included other work roles taking priority, a lack of time and limited research skills. Multi-layered strategies including establishing conjoint research positions are recommended to increase allied health research culture in this regional area.

Research culture in allied health: a systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Borkowski ◽  
Carol McKinstry ◽  
Matthew Cotchett ◽  
Cylie Williams ◽  
Terry Haines
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Culture ◽  
Positive Research ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
The Impact

Research evidence is required to guide optimal allied health practice and inform policymakers in primary health care. Factors that influence a positive research culture are not fully understood, and nor is the impact of a positive research culture on allied health professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to identify factors that affect allied health research culture and capacity. An extensive search of 11 databases was conducted in June 2015. Studies were included if they were published in English, had full-text availability and reported research findings relating to allied health professions. Study quality was evaluated using the McMaster Critical Review Forms. Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity between studies. Allied health professionals perceive that their individual research skills are lower in comparison to their teams and organisation. Motivators for conducting research for allied health professionals include developing skills, increasing job satisfaction and career advancement. Barriers include a lack of time, limited research skills and other work roles taking priority. Multilayered strategies, such as collaborations with external partners and developing research leadership positions, aimed at addressing barriers and enablers, are important to enhance allied health research culture and capacity.

scholarly journals Assessment of Health Research Capacity in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD): A Study on Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals

2020 ◽  
Vol Volume 13 ◽  
pp. 153-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Lee ◽  
Karen Byth ◽  
Janelle Gifford ◽  
Madhan Balasubramanian ◽  
Carolyn Fozzard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Health District ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Allied Health Professionals

scholarly journals Effects and mechanisms of an allied health research position in a Queensland regional and rural health service: a descriptive case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel J. Wenke ◽  
Anna Tynan ◽  
Annette Scott ◽  
Sharon Mickan
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Research Culture ◽  
Building Research ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Research Collaborations ◽  
Rural Health Service ◽  
Use Of Technology

The aim of the present case study is to illustrate the outcomes of a dedicated allied health (AH) research position within a large Queensland regional and rural health service. The secondary aim of the case study is to describe the enabling and hindering mechanisms to the success of the role. Semistructured interviews were conducted with the Executive Director of Allied Health and the current AH research fellow incumbent within the health service. A focus group was also undertaken with six stakeholders (e.g. clinicians, team leaders) who had engaged with the research position. Outcomes of the AH research fellow included clinical and service improvements, enhanced research culture and staff up-skilling, development of research infrastructure and the formation of strategic research collaborations. Despite being a sole position in a geographically expansive health service with constrained resources, key enabling mechanisms to the success of the role were identified, including strong advocacy and regular communication with the Executive. In conclusion, the case study highlights the potential value of an AH research position in building research capacity within a large non-metropolitan health service. Factors to facilitate ongoing success could include additional research and administrative funding, as well as increased use of technology and team-based research. What is known about the topic? Dedicated research positions embedded within health care settings are a well cited strategy to increase research capacity building of allied health professionals (AHPs). However the majority of these positions are within metropolitan health settings and unique challenges exist for these roles in regional and rural areas. Few studies have described the impact of dedicated AH research positions within regional health centres or the factors which facilitate or hinder their role. What does this paper add? Dedicated research positions within a non-metropolitan Australian health service may have a positive impact on AH clinical services, research culture, staff upskilling, research infrastructure and research collaborations. Key enabling mechanisms to support the role may include advocacy from higher level management, strong networks and communication channels. Additional research and administrative funding, the use of technology and team based research may enhance sustainability of such roles. What are the implications for practitioners? AH research positions have potential value in building research capacity within a large non-metropolitan health service. Health managers and researchers should be aware of the unique challenges to these roles and consider mechanisms that may best enhance and sustain outcomes of the positions including: the development of infrastructure (i.e. technology, website of resources), networks, and communication strategies (i.e. regular meetings with leadership and promotion internally).

Surveying Allied Health Professionals Within a Public Health Service: What Works Best, Paper or Online?

2019 ◽  
pp. 016327871987056
Author(s):  
Joanna C. Kidd ◽  
Sue Colley ◽  
Sarah Dennis
Keyword(s):  
Selection Bias ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Paper Form ◽  
Paper Survey

Poor response rate, self-selection bias, and item noncompletion negatively impact the generalization of results from surveys. This study examined differences in these factors between a paper and online survey among allied health clinicians. Clinicians within a large local health district were initially invited to complete the Research Capacity in Context Tool online via an e-mail link. Following a lower-than-expected response rate, potential selection bias, and item noncompletion, the survey was readministered in paper form to the same cohort of clinicians 6–12 months later. The response rate to the paper survey was higher than to the online survey (27.6% vs. 16.5%). Selection biases were evident, characterized by seniority and discipline: Junior clinicians responded at rates significantly less than expected to the online survey but as expected to the paper survey. Occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and podiatrists responded more highly to the online survey, while other disciplines responded more highly to the paper survey. The rate of item noncompletion was higher for online than paper survey (6.72% vs. 3.8% questions not completed, respectively), with patterns of noncompletion also differing. These data suggest paper surveys are likely to produce less biased and more generalizable data from allied health clinicians.

scholarly journals Developing clinical academic researchers: insights from practitioners and managers in nursing, midwifery and allied health

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 282-292
Author(s):  
Hazel Roddam ◽  
Lucy Cross ◽  
Rachel Georgiou ◽  
Josephine Gibson ◽  
Stephanie Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Research ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Career Pathways ◽  
Allied Health Professions ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Strategic Support

Background/Aims Developing a clinical academic role in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions is challenging because of the lack of a national career pathway, recognition and understanding of the role. This evaluation aimed to explore perspectives of aspiring, or active clinical academics, and healthcare managers in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions about the benefits, barriers and enablers of engagement in these career pathways. Methods In total, eight workshops were facilitated across England (four each for managers and prospective clinical academics), where 162 participants shared their experiences and perceptions of clinical academic research activities. Results Three major themes were identified that related to the perceived benefits, barriers and enablers of engagement in these career pathways: building health research capacity, building individuals' health research capability, and improving patient care. Conclusion This article demonstrates factors that are valued and perceived to be working well by practitioners and their clinical service managers, and highlights key priorities for further strategic support.

scholarly journals The National Institute for Health Research Critical Care Research Priority Setting Survey 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-201
Author(s):  
Kate C Tatham ◽  
Daniel F McAuley ◽  
Mark Borthwick ◽  
Neil G Henderson ◽  
Gemma Bashevoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Translational Research ◽  
Priority Setting ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
James Lind Alliance

Introduction Defining research priorities in intensive care is key to determining appropriate allocation of funding. Several topics were identified from the 2014 James Lind Alliance priority setting exercise conducted with the Intensive Care Society. The James Lind Alliance process included significant (and vital) patient/public contribution, but excluded professionals without a bedside role. As a result it may have failed to identify potential early-stage translational research topics, which are more likely identified by medical and/or academic members of relevant specialist basic science groups. The objective of the present project was to complement the James Lind Alliance project by generating an updated list of research priorities by facilitating academic research input. Method A survey was conducted by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to identify the key research priorities from intensive care clinicians, including allied health professionals and academics, along with any evolving themes arising from translational research. Feasibility of all identified topics were then discussed and allocated to themes by a joint clinical academics/NIHR focus group. Results The survey was completed by 94 intensive care clinicians (including subspecialists), academics and allied health professions. In total, 203 research questions were identified, with the top five themes focusing on: appropriate case selection (e.g. who and when to treat; 24%), ventilation (7%), sepsis (6%), delirium (5%) and rehabilitation (5%). Discussion Utilising a methodology distinct from that employed by the James Lind Alliance process, from a broad spectrum of intensive care clinicians/scientists, enabled identification of a variety of priority research areas. These topics can now inform not only the investigator-led research agenda, but will also be considered in due course by the NIHR for potential future funding calls.

scholarly journals Strategies for research engagement of clinicians in allied health (STRETCH): a mixed methods research protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e014876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Mickan ◽  
Rachel Wenke ◽  
Kelly Weir ◽  
Andrea Bialocerkowski ◽  
Christy Noble
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Knowledge Brokering ◽  
Programme Theory ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Research Engagement

IntroductionAllied health professionals (AHPs) report positive attitudes to using research evidence in clinical practice, yet often lack time, confidence and skills to use, participate in and conduct research. A range of multifaceted strategies including education, mentoring and guidance have been implemented to increase AHPs’ use of and participation in research. Emerging evidence suggests that knowledge brokering activities have the potential to support research engagement, but it is not clear which knowledge brokering strategies are most effective and in what contexts they work best to support and maintain clinicians’ research engagement.Methods and analysisThis protocol describes an exploratory concurrent mixed methods study that is designed to understand how allied health research fellows use knowledge brokering strategies within tailored evidence-based interventions, to facilitate research engagement by allied health clinicians. Simultaneously, a realist approach will guide a systematic process evaluation of the research fellows’ pattern of use of knowledge brokering strategies within each case study to build a programme theory explaining which knowledge brokering strategies work best, in what contexts and why. Learning and behavioural theories will inform this critical explanation.Ethics and disseminationAn explanation of how locally tailored evidence-based interventions improve AHPs use of, participation in and leadership of research projects will be summarised and shared with all participating clinicians and within each case study. It is expected that local recommendations will be developed and shared with medical and nursing professionals in and beyond the health service, to facilitate building research capacity in a systematic and effective way.

The Perceived Barriers to Research in College Recreational Sports

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danell J. Haines ◽  
Annemarie Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Recreational Sports ◽  
Research Culture ◽  
Recreational Sport ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Operating Budget ◽  
Conducting Research

Research is an essential component of university recreational sports (URS) because it is needed to scientifically test interventions, defend departmental existence, and to align for further departmental growth. Current data is important documented criteria needed to substantiate an increased operating budget, to justify adding personnel, and to validate the need for additional facilities. However, very few URS professionals conduct and report research. A four-part survey was designed by the investigators to explore the barriers to conducting research, publishing, and presenting. Items were generated through the use of focus groups with college recreational sport staff. While perceived lack of time was consistently cited as a barrier to conducting research, generating publications, and preparing presentations, the study illuminates a number of potential hurdles to creating and maintaining a research culture. In light of these findings, departments of college recreation should be encouraged to examine their organizations and determine the extent to which they enhance or impede research. Finally, it is important to build research capacity within the NIRSA profession to ensure that college recreational sports run efficiently and that professionals can document outcomes, can test new interventions, and evaluate new ways of doing business.

Best Practice and Allied Health

1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Jill Thoroughgood
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Primary Health

In this paper, issues are discussed relating to the provision of quality allied health advice, and the focus of the allied health program in primary health care and community health settings in the Peninsula and Torres Strait Region of Queensland, since Regionalisation in 1991. It was apparent to allied health professionals working in community health, that the change process presented an opportunity to influence not only the Regional Health Authority, but also to act as a united voice for the professions and to be advocates for best practice models of care for the community. Why do allied health professionals need to be utilised in an advisory role in community based health settings? What are the impacts on policy, planning, and on the services provided by community health care workers? How can allied health advisers enhance the quality of outcomes of best practice for the consumers of community health programs? Allied health advisers are important for the whole health sector by ensuring that effective and appropriate allied health services are delivered, that there are increases in allied health resources, that there are improvements in health outcomes for clients, that primary health care models of care are implemented, and, finally, that best practice is implemented by the allied health professional.

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