Clinical areas of highest priority for Allied Health research: A consensus from the perspective of Allied Health service executives and managers
Duncan Lodge1, Jo Nolan1,3, Rosalie Yandell3, Anna Chur-Hansen4, Stacey George5, Elizabeth Lynch5, Susan Hillier2 1Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia2University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia3Department of Health and Wellbeing, SA Health, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia4The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia5Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Abstract
It is understood that research and innovation in health care is vital to improving health systems and patient outcomes. To promote sustainable and relevant research in Allied Health (AH), this study sought to establish the principles and priorities for clinical research as perceived by AH leaders in the South Australian public health system. The study used a mixed-methods design. Participants were recruited from the SA Health Allied Health Executive Directors and Professional Advisory Group chairs. Consenting participants attended face to face focus groups; after an overview presentation, they discussed the principles for AH research, followed by areas and priorities for research. These discussions were recorded and transcribed. Summaries of the responses were then themed descriptively and circulated to the attendees electronically so they could confirm the accuracy of the themes and ascribe priority ratings for each research area identified. Twenty-five people attended the stakeholder forum; 20 responded to the electronic summary, from a disciplines and local health networks. Nine principles of research action were agreed. Fourteen research areas were identified and prioritised. There was a relatively consistent prioritisation of measuring AH value, AH workforce, hospital avoidance programs (new and alternate models of care) and research to close the gap by, with and for Aboriginal people. A broad range of populations and settings were identified when asked about a more detailed research priority. These key research priority areas identified by AH leadership can be used to target grant funding and AH research direction.
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