Building research capacity in south-west Sydney through a Primary and Community Health Research Unit

Abstract

Abstract. The Primary and Community Health Research Unit was established in 2010 in south-west Sydney to build research capacity in primary and community health services and help generate evidence to underpin clinical activities. In 2011, six project teams participated in a 12-month researcher mentoring program, undertaking projects in quality improvement and service evaluation. Project teams were linked with academic mentors and participated in four research skill development workshops covering research design, research ethics, statistical analysis and academic writing. All project teams presented their work at two or more research conferences, and all are preparing manuscripts for publication in peerreviewed journals. The Primary and Community Health Research Unit's approach to research capacity building in primary and community health services appears to be effective in supporting novice researchers to undertake research in their clinical settings. Sustainability is dependent on securing ongoing funding. Further analysis is needed to identify strengths and weaknesses of this approach.Additional keywords: research capacity building, research skills training.

Key factors influencing allied health research capacity in a large Australian metropolitan health district

“…These results were similar to those reported by other studies with the majority of studies citing lack of time and motivation, lack of backfill arrangements and funding, coupled with lack of support from managers and colleagues to facilitate research in the clinical setting, as factors affecting the research capacity of individuals. 1 – 5 , 7 , 12 , 13 , 33 , 41 , 53 , 54 Strategies such as dedicated research positions, 6 , 41 , 46 targeted education toward individual and team needs, 8 , 41 mentoring, 27 , 33 , 54 , 55 and funding for appropriate backfill of positions 1 , 5 , 8 have been suggested as strategies for addressing some of these barriers in an effort to assist those with an interest in research to develop their individual research skills.…”

“…Many studies have offered suggestions as to interventions that may assist research capacity building at these different levels but few studies exist on the effectiveness of these interventions. 17 , 41 , 54 Studies have tended to focus on team-based and individual-level interventions within health care institutions and at present there are no randomized controlled trials investigating any of the interventions aimed at building research capacity with little evidence supporting the effectiveness of some interventions over others. 17 , 41 , 45 – 47 , 54 …”

Pap smear screening, pap smear abnormalities and psychosocial risk factors among women in a residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility

“…The full study protocol was reviewed by members of the Primary and Community Research Unit (PCHRU) Advisory Group, and the SWSLHD Community Health Research Advisory Group (Friesen et al . ). The study was overseen by a senior research experienced in epidemiological research (author EC), and conducted by a multidisciplinary research team with experience in all aspects of clinical research involving vulnerable populations.…”

International Perspectivesof Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals Clinical Academic Roles: Are We at Tipping Point?

“…However, the idea of formal joint appointments, especially at a senior level, are available and are financially supported by a healthcare provider organisation and higher education institute. In recent years, there has been some criticism regarding expected key performance indicators of clinical professors (Eley, 2018;Friesen et al, 2014).…”