Frameworks for embedding a research culture in allied health practice: a rapid review

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough allied health clinicians play a key role in the provision of healthcare, embedding a culture of research within public and private health systems remains a challenge. In this rapid review we critically evaluate frameworks for embedding research into routine allied health practice, as the basis for high quality, safe, efficient and consumer-focused care.MethodsA rapid review (PROSPERO: CRD42017075699) was conducted to evaluate frameworks designed to create and embed research in the health sector. Included were full-text, English-language, peer-reviewed publications or Government reports of frameworks that could inform the implementation of an allied health research framework. Eight electronic databases and four government websites were searched, using search terms such as models, frameworks and research capacity-building. Two independent researchers conducted all review stages and used content and thematic analysis to interpret the results.ResultsSixteen framework papers were finally included. Content analysis identified 44 system and regulatory level items that informed the research frameworks, 125 healthcare organisation items and 76 items relating to individual clinicians. Thematic analysis identified four major themes. Firstly, sustainable change requires allied health research policies, regulation, governance and organisational structures that support and value evidence-based practice. Secondly, research capability, receptivity, advocacy and literacy of healthcare leaders and managers are key to successful research implementation. Third, organisational factors that facilitate a research culture include dedicated staff research positions, time allocated to research, mentoring, professional education and research infrastructure. When healthcare agencies had strong partnerships with universities and co-located research leaders, research implementation was strengthened. Finally, individual attributes of clinicians, such as their research skills and capabilities, motivation, and participation in research teams, are essential to embedding research into practice.ConclusionTheoretical frameworks were identified that informed processes to embed a culture of allied health research into healthcare services. Research-led and evidence-informed allied health practice enables optimisation of workforce capability and high-quality care.

Research capacity building frameworks for allied health professionals – a systematic review

“…Three themes (‘supporting clinicians in research’, ‘working together’ and ‘valuing research for excellence) and 17 subthemes have been identified. Each subtheme is linked to a number of strategies which may be implemented at individual, team, organisational and policy levels as part of the ‘whole of system’ approach which has been recommended in the literature [ 12 , 33 , 36 , 45 ]. Although attempts were made to categorise strategies according to these structural levels, it was subsequently recognised that many strategies are applicable at more than one level.…”

“…A research culture has been described as “an environment within an organisation that enables and supports research to generate new knowledge and opportunities to translate evidence into practice” [ 18 ] and has been reported to be essential for building research capacity [ 19 , 33 ]. Previous studies have found that senior management and leadership support for research appears to have a significant impact on an organisation’s research culture [ 7 , 20 , 35 , 36 , 46 ] and individual health professionals’ engagement in research [ 29 , 31 ]. The findings of this review further emphasise that in order to build and sustain research engagement, leaders and managers should recognise the benefits of having research-active practitioners in the workforce and consider research to be part of their core business alongside clinical practice [ 8 , 19 , 27 ].…”

“…Some authors have recognised that a single strategy approach is not sufficient, but that a “whole of organisation approach” or “whole of system approach” is required for building research capacity and culture in allied health [ 10 , 12 , 33 – 35 ]. A recent rapid review of allied health research frameworks has recommended multiple strategies across individual, organisational and policy levels to embed a culture of allied health research into healthcare services [ 36 ]. Authors have suggested that strategies are interlinked and interdependent, such that strategies implemented at one level can have an impact on other levels.…”

Weaving a clinical academic career: Illuminating the method and pattern to follow

“…Personalised tapestries are created out of three interconnecting components (see Figure 2): (Slade et al, 2018). Conversely, known challenges include limited awareness of how to progress as a researcher, lack of time, funding, support, research infrastructure, knowledge and skills (Van Oostveen et al, 2017;White et al, 2013).…”

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

“…Within the context of allied health, the aim of this process is to "strengthen existing practitioner expertise with complementary research" [19, p. 56] in order to enable high quality practice and advancement of the profession. Much effort has been made in recent decades to build research capacity and embed research cultures within the allied health professions [20][21][22][23][24]. Despite this, several barriers have been identified to establishing an effective research culture within this sector [8,25].…”