Research culture in allied health: a systematic review
Donna Borkowski A G , Carol McKinstry B , Matthew Cotchett B , Cylie Williams C D and Terry Haines E FA Bendigo Health, PO Box 126, Bendigo, Vic. 3552, Australia.
B La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, PO Box 199, Bendigo, Vic. 3552, Australia.
C Peninsula Health-Community Health, PO Box 52, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia.
D Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Physiotherapy, Monash University, PO Box 527, Frankston, Vic. 3199, Australia.
E Southern Physiotherapy Clinical School, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, PO Box 527, Frankston, Vic. 3199, Australia.
F Allied Health Research Unit, Monash Health, corner Kingston and Warrigal Roads, Cheltenham, Vic. 3192, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: dborkowski@bendigohealth.org.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 22(4) 294-303 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY15122
Submitted: 5 August 2015 Accepted: 7 December 2015 Published: 7 June 2016
Abstract
Research evidence is required to guide optimal allied health practice and inform policymakers in primary health care. Factors that influence a positive research culture are not fully understood, and nor is the impact of a positive research culture on allied health professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to identify factors that affect allied health research culture and capacity. An extensive search of 11 databases was conducted in June 2015. Studies were included if they were published in English, had full-text availability and reported research findings relating to allied health professions. Study quality was evaluated using the McMaster Critical Review Forms. Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity between studies. Allied health professionals perceive that their individual research skills are lower in comparison to their teams and organisation. Motivators for conducting research for allied health professionals include developing skills, increasing job satisfaction and career advancement. Barriers include a lack of time, limited research skills and other work roles taking priority. Multilayered strategies, such as collaborations with external partners and developing research leadership positions, aimed at addressing barriers and enablers, are important to enhance allied health research culture and capacity.
Additional keywords: allied health professions, research capacity.
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