Rural practitioners as researchers: The Spencer Gulf experience of research development in primary health

Abstract

In a health service environment that is becoming more focussed on primary health care, there is a need to underpin new primary health care models with research evidence. This paper draws on the experience of the Spencer Gulf Rural Health School in developing rural primary health care practitioners and consumers as novice researchers. Through the experience of seed-funding 18 novice researchers, several themes have emerged that underpin the success of the program. These are described as establishing a spirit of inquiry, using a broad definition of primary health care research, supporting inquiry with resources and recognition, and demystifying the research process. The value of this research development program is that it has brought research opportunities and supports to rural practitioners and consumers that were not previously available.