Addressing the lack of research in rural communities through building rural health service research: Establishment of a research unit in Colac, a medium rural town

Place-based research in small rural hospitals: an overlooked opportunity for action to reduce health inequities in Australia?

“… 9 For example, research activity that forms part of the formal hospital organisational structure (e.g., a research unit focussed on local research projects) could be explored as a mechanism of impact in rural areas, with lessons for other rural areas, and larger and more complex organisations. 10 …”

Rural health service leaders co‐design state‐wide research addressing an emerging health issue: A case report

“…Prior to 2018, CAH had limited research activity, with almost no locally‐led research and had only acted as a partner site on a small number of university‐led projects. While this situation is not dissimilar to many similar size Australian rural health services, the health service leadership (Executive and Board of Directors) recognised this as both a current deficit and a future opportunity 9 …”

“…While this situation is not dissimilar to many similar size Australian rural health services, the health service leadership (Executive and Board of Directors) recognised this as both a current deficit and a future opportunity. 9 In…”

“…There are many examples of excellent research co‐designed with rural Australian health services, particularly with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations 8 . However, relative to metropolitan settings, an opportunity exists to increase research either conducted by or meaningfully co‐designed with rural health services in Australia 5,9 . Suggested reasons for this deficit include a lack of a rural research workforce critical mass, existing challenges in attracting and retaining rural health staff, and a historical lack of government investment and political power in rural communities 6,10–12 …”

“…8 However, relative to metropolitan settings, an opportunity exists to increase research either conducted by or meaningfully co-designed with rural health services in Australia. 5,9 Suggested reasons for this deficit include a lack of a rural research workforce critical mass, existing challenges in attracting and retaining rural health staff, and a historical lack of government investment and political power in rural communities. 6,[10][11][12] It is increasingly recognised that factors such as poor research design and incomplete reporting can reduce the relevance of research evidence to end-users and contribute to research waste.…”