Evaluating a capability framework to build allied health research capacity at an Australian public health service

Introduction Clinicians within public healthcare organisations are becoming increasingly research active. In 2018, Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) introduced a Research Capability Framework (RCF) to guide research and measure activity growth among allied health professionals (AHPs). This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the framework. Methods A mixed method study design was employed including interviews and self-rating of the RCF objectives by Discipline Directors (DD), and a survey of AHPs to measure their level of research experience and knowledge of health services research methods. The interviews were themed and quantitative data was analysed descriptively. Results. 12 DDs, 5 Team Leaders and 105 clinical AHPs participated. Resulting themes were research rich potential of the clinical environment; role of managers; impact of research on productivity; the effect of individuals on research relationships and collaborations; and organisational characteristics and processes that promote or demote research. High levels of research participation were noted, and varying levels of methods knowledge were evident. Discussion The RCF measures changes in AHP research activity in Australian regional and rural healthcare organisations and suggests participation better reflects their research activity. However, the RCF is not used by the AHP teams to guide the research capacity and capability building journey due to variations in levels of experience and leadership. This study demonstrates the importance of growing endemic research leaders in regional and rural health services. The high levels of experience in QI skills but limited knowledge of research translation methods suggest this knowledge gap must be addressed before a pathway for moving rural health services like THHS to become learning health systems can be realised.