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The consistent and widespread application of evidence‐based health care is largely dependent on a health service's research culture and the research capacity of its staff.

It is therefore important to build research capacity, as this improves the ability of clinicians to apply new knowledge to improve health outcomes. In addition, strong research culture has been shown to be associated with better patient outcomes. This is particularly important in rural and remote contexts, where health outcomes are notably poorer, and research environments are often less developed and more stretched.

Although rural and remote settings do not have the same capacity, resources, capability or critical mass as their metropolitan counterparts, there are multiple examples of success in building health research capacity and enabling research environments across rural and remote parts of Australia. 

This MJA perspective shares more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the perspective
2. List main findings
3. Recognise the significance of barriers and opportunities.

Details

Authors: Laura Alston, Lisa McFayden, Tarun Sen Gupta, Warren Payne and James Smith

Article Type: Perspective