Identifying research priorities to optimize allied health care – preliminary phase 1 results.

Abstract

Background

In health service research, it is vital that we address questions that are important to the community and that the research meets a health service need or gap in the evidence.

Objectives/Aims

This study engages community members, health professionals and academic researchers with the aim of identifying priorities for allied health research in the Grampians region.

Method

Phase 1: Survey and community forums will be used to elicit information about people’s experiences of care, perceptions of service gaps, ways to optimize care and health issues in their local community. Phase 2: Using a modified Delphi approach, a panel including community members, health professionals and researchers will review information from Phase 1, generate additional ideas, and finally identify and agree on research priorities.

Results

Phase 1: To date, 60 respondents from rural communities have completed the study survey and community forums have been conducted in Ararat, Stawell and Warracknabeal. Preliminary analysis indicates that current issues related to health care include: access to quality care – availability of specialists and other health providers, lack of experienced health providers, limited support services; cost – chronic conditions requiring ongoing care, urgent care fees in rural areas; isolation – geographical (distance to services) and social (older populations); and culture in rural and regional towns (sport associated with drinking, social stigma, lack of support for healthy choices).

Implications/Outcomes for Planned Research Project

The use of a consensus process to set allied health research priorities will enhance the relevance of health research, facilitate the use of research findings in practice, and ultimately improve patient outcomes in the Grampians region. This project will give clinicians and community a voice and ownership in research decision-making.

Final Thoughts

Respondents have been passionate about a range of health issues in their communities. Forums are scheduled for Ballarat and Horsham. Health professionals are currently being recruited to have their say about health issues in their communities.