Ms Abby Foster1,2,3, Mrs Janet Golder1, Dr Katrina Kenah1
1Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia, 2Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 3La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Abby is an allied health clinician, research and manager with extensive experience providing services in the Australian public health sector. Holding a doctorate from The University of Queensland, Abby is employed as the Allied Health Research Advisor at Monash Health in Melbourne. She loves talking nerdy about qualitative research, and her research is collaborative and multidisciplinary. She focuses her work on creating systems that reduce barriers in healthcare, and supporting allied health clinicians to be their best and love their work. She believes allied health can change the world for the better
Abstract:
Background:
A strategic approach to research in allied health is crucial to foster a strong culture and build capability. Developing a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach tailored to the local context is key to success. This project aimed to assess the impact of a multifaceted research capacity-building intervention on the research culture and capability of allied health professionals within a metropolitan health service.
Methods:
In mid-2019, a baseline evaluation of research culture and capability at the individual, team, and organisational levels was conducted using the Research Capacity and Culture tool. A multiphase process was then employed to design the health service's allied health research strategic plan, identifying six key strategic themes: Leadership, Communication, Collaboration, Support, Strategy, and Funding. Tailored interventions were implemented, and the tool was re-administered in mid-2024 to assess the impact.
Results:
At baseline, participants identified key research barriers, including limited time, competing demands, lack of funding or backfill, and insufficient research skills. Interventions included standardising research lead roles, launching an allied health research newsletter, mapping research collaborations, initiating a mentoring and education program, reporting on research strategy achievements, and developing an annual grant funding strategy. Post-implementation results highlight impacts on research culture and capability across individual, team, and organisational levels.
Conclusion:
A clear, collaborative strategic plan with shared vision and values is pivotal for enhancing allied health research culture and capability. Tailored interventions that address local barriers and leverage existing motivators, combined with ongoing support, are essential for sustained success.