Identifying allied health research priorities informed by consumers, clinicians, health service managers and researchers.

Abstract

Background In the funding of public health service research, it is essential that the research questions are important to the community, the health service and the clinicians who provide the health care. There is often a mismatch between the work carried out by academic researchers and what the community and clinicians see as research priorities. Clear research priorities for rural and regional areas are needed to address the health inequities that exist due to geographical, socioeconomic and workforce issues.

Aim This study (planned to begin in early 2019) will link the community, allied health professionals and health service managers of the Western Grampians area with academic researchers to identify and prioritize areas of allied health practice that are priority for change and how these changes could be addressed through research.

Method The study will consists of two phases. In Phase 1, surveys and focus groups will be used to gain an understanding of people’s experiences of allied health care, perceptions of service gaps and ways to improve care in the Grampians region. In Phase 2, the information from Phase 1 will be presented to the community, clinicians, service managers and researchers. Using a modified Delphi method, the group will identify and agree on research priorities. The Delphi method has been shown to be an effective consensus approach for collecting expert opinion from diverse disciplines, timely communication, and overcoming peer pressure and power imbalances through using an anonymous forum.

Results This study will consult broadly with community, Allied Health clinicians, health service managers and researchers to gain a consensus on the research priorities of the Western Grampians. It will produce ‘researchable’ topics that have a direct link to the needs of the people in the Western Grampians region. This information will inform the development of a strategic regional approach to Allied Health research.

Significance of the findings to allied health Engaging consumers, clinicians and researchers to identify allied health research priorities will help ensure the relevance of health research, facilitate the translation of research findings into practice (clinical implementation) and ultimately improve patient outcomes (community benefit).