Starting from scratch: Developing and sustaining a rural research team lessons from a nutrition and dietetics case study

Abstract

Objective To describe the development of and key factors for sustaining a rural‐based research team focussed on nutrition and dietetics. Design A longitudinal embedded case study approach with data sourced from publicly available records and observations. Case study sub‐units were developed into 3 phases with analysis using theoretical propositions and pattern matching. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed. Setting University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health across 4 rural sites. Participants Publicly available data sources from existing team members. Main outcome measures Staffing levels, research supervision, internal and external grant outcomes and peer‐reviewed journal publications. Result Academic staffing has increased by 4 full‐time equivalent positions over 18 years, with 6 current higher‐degree research students. Key factors identified in the development of a discipline‐specific research workforce included staff higher degree by research completions, longevity of staff in research‐active roles, immersive rural placements with a research component and collaborations with nationally competitive researchers. Rural pilot research projects, community connections, understanding of the local context and research networks were fundamental to establishing a viable team. Conclusion Systematically investing in research that is embedded in local communities will ensure sustainability and relevance, capacity building of existing staff and an ability to problem solve at the local level. Sustained and focussed investment is needed if the current rural research workforce is to develop towards a capacity that meets current demand.

Return of the unexpected: Rural workforce recruitment and retention in the era of COVID‐19

“…They highlight the importance of quality child support for rural health workers. The case study by Brown et al 20 reflects on the experiences of building a sustainable dietetic research team and the importance of continued professional development. They note the importance of gaining a critical mass of same discipline academics that can support each other to improve rural research in that field, and the importance of having multidisciplinary and metropolitan engagement.…”

Research training incorporating education and mentoring for rural and regional allied health professionals: An evaluation study

“…Therefore, they have comparatively fewer opportunities to lead and participate in research. 5,7,8,14,15 Indeed, it has been identified that strategies to develop a safe, high-quality and sustainable rural and regional health system in Victoria must encompass enhanced research infrastructure in these areas. 20 For example, establishing research positions and partnerships Effective RCB initiatives encompass a range of integrated strategies targeted at the policy or systems, organisational, team and individual level.…”

“…7 Promoting health service-led research in rural areas is critical to ensuring relevant evidence is generated to improve service delivery and, in turn, the health outcomes of people living in these communities. [7][8][9]13,14 Rural health services and health professionals, however, have less access to research infrastructure, research capacity building (RCB) initiatives and research funding than their metropolitan counterparts. Therefore, they have comparatively fewer opportunities to lead and participate in research.…”

“…Rural health services and health professionals, however, have less access to research infrastructure, research capacity building (RCB) initiatives and research funding than their metropolitan counterparts. Therefore, they have comparatively fewer opportunities to lead and participate in research 5,7,8,14,15 . Indeed, it has been identified that strategies to develop a safe, high‐quality and sustainable rural and regional health system in Victoria must encompass enhanced research infrastructure in these areas 20 .…”

“…Embedding research as core business in health services is essential for the delivery of evidence‐based practice (EBP) and effective health care that improves service‐user outcomes, and promotes health workforce recruitment and retention 8–12 . Promoting health service‐led research in rural areas ensures relevant evidence is generated to improve service delivery and the health of rural communities 7–9,13,14 . Rural health services and AHPs, however, have less access to research infrastructure, research capacity building (RCB) initiatives and research funding and therefore fewer opportunities to lead and participate in research than their metropolitan counterparts 5,7,8,14,15 .…”