Abstract
Introduction: Disconnect between allied health research clinical settings can negatively impact on patient outcomes. Clinician involvement in research may help address this problem, although there is limited information on establishing collaborations between researchers and clinicians. This presentation aims to describe the establishment of a practice-based research network of regional physiotherapists and researchers in the Hunter region (NSW).
Methods: Network establishment activities were developed via program logic and theory of change, including online surveys and focus group discussions. The founding membership group was recruited through pre-existing connections and identification of local opinion leaders. To prioritise research areas, problem mapping workshops with local stakeholders were followed by an online poll.
Results/Outcomes: Five key motivating themes and three key enablers for involvement in a regional physiotherapist network were identified through focus groups (n=16; 88% regional, 6% rural). A founding membership group (n=29; 67% from private practice), with a network vision and mission statement was created before a self-elected joint governance group (n=13; 70% from private practice) was established. Three priority research areas were identified that may lead to critical change in patient outcomes.
Discussion/Learnings Conclusion: The development of a practice-based research network of physiotherapists and researchers in regional Australia can successfully be achieved through a staged multi-component approach. Clinicians and researchers both driven by a shared interest in improving patient outcomes may identify and address a wider array of issues with care than is possible with traditional practices. Similar networks may be established using the same model in other regional parts of Australia.
Methods: Network establishment activities were developed via program logic and theory of change, including online surveys and focus group discussions. The founding membership group was recruited through pre-existing connections and identification of local opinion leaders. To prioritise research areas, problem mapping workshops with local stakeholders were followed by an online poll.
Results/Outcomes: Five key motivating themes and three key enablers for involvement in a regional physiotherapist network were identified through focus groups (n=16; 88% regional, 6% rural). A founding membership group (n=29; 67% from private practice), with a network vision and mission statement was created before a self-elected joint governance group (n=13; 70% from private practice) was established. Three priority research areas were identified that may lead to critical change in patient outcomes.
Discussion/Learnings Conclusion: The development of a practice-based research network of physiotherapists and researchers in regional Australia can successfully be achieved through a staged multi-component approach. Clinicians and researchers both driven by a shared interest in improving patient outcomes may identify and address a wider array of issues with care than is possible with traditional practices. Similar networks may be established using the same model in other regional parts of Australia.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
| Event | 14th SARRAH 2022 National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference - Online Duration: 15 Nov 2022 → 16 Nov 2022 https://sarrah.org.au/cpd/sarrah-conferences/upcoming-conference https://sarrahconference.com.au/ (Conference website) https://web.archive.org/web/20221021054937/https://sarrahconference.com.au/home/program (2022 program) |
Conference
| Conference | 14th SARRAH 2022 National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference |
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| Abbreviated title | People, Purpose, Passion: Pathways to success |
| Period | 15/11/22 → 16/11/22 |
| Other | This year’s theme – People, Purpose Passion: Pathways to Success with the sub-themes of Growing and Sustaining the Rural Allied Health Workforce, Strengthening Partnerships, and Leading Change will provide collaborative opportunities for people live in rural and remote areas and work in allied health sector offering the chance to share knowledge, perspectives, and best practices. The aim of the conference program is to develop sustainable and resilient rural and remote communities and strengthen and support the allied health sector in rural and remote areas, so we can better together in the interest of the communities in rural and remote areas. We will utilise innovative and interactive ways of workshopping and sharing perspectives about how to best unpack the theories, research, and reports into actual practice in the workplace to benefit the allied health sector in rural and remote areas. |
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