Research culture and capacity in community health services: results of a structured survey of staff
Emma L. Friesen A B C and Elizabeth J. Comino A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centre for Health Equity, Training, Research and Evaluation: a member of the Ingham Institute; South Western Sydney Local Health District; and Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales Australia.
B Centre for Health Equity Training Research and Evaluation, University of New South Wales Australia, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool BC, NSW 1871, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Present address: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia. Email: emma.friesen@uqconnect.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 23(2) 123-131 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY15131
Submitted: 11 August 2015 Accepted: 18 January 2016 Published: 17 August 2016
Abstract
Developing research capacity is recognised as an important endeavour. However, little is known about the current research culture, capacity and supports for staff working in community-based health settings. A structured survey of Division of Community Health staff was conducted using the research capacity tool. The survey was disseminated by email and in paper format. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. In total, 109 usable responses were received, giving a response rate of 26%. Respondents were predominately nurses (n = 71, 65.7%), with ~50% reporting post-graduate vocational qualifications. The highest levels of skills or organisational success were in using evidence to plan, promote and guide clinical practice. Most participants were unsure of organisational and team level skills and success at generating research. Few reported recent experience in research-generating activities. Barriers to undertaking research included lack of skills, time and access to external support and funding. Lack of skills and success in accessing external funding and resources to protect research time or to ‘buy-in’ technical expertise appeared to exacerbate these barriers. Community health staff have limited capacity to generate research with current levels of skill, funding and time. Strategies to increase research capacity should be informed by knowledge of clinicians’ research experience and interests, and target development of skills to generate research. Resources and funding are needed at the organisational and team levels to overcome the significant barriers to research generation reported.
Additional keywords: research capacity building, research capacity development, nursing, allied health.
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