Primary Author: | Kim N. Walker, PhD, RN |
Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: | Jose Aguilera, MComm, MNA, RN |
Organization: | St. Vincent's Private Hospital Sydney (Australia) |
Abstract
Purpose
In this presentation we will provide robust evidence of how a strong partnership between academia and healthcare operates to strengthen the respective agendas of each while fostering excellence in translational research activity and outcomes.
Background
Translating research evidence into clinical practice to ensure high quality and safety of patient care is a global imperative for the healthcare system. Nurturing the next generation of healthcare researchers is equally an imperative for the higher education sector as well as the health sector.
Materials & Methods
Several practical initiatives and their effects will be showcased to highlight the mutual benefits of embedding researchers in clinical practice to enable the career progression of both academic researchers and clinician/managers. Innovative approaches to the uptake of research evidence into clinical practice will also highlight how Magnet recognition® empowers staff to constantly improve the quality and safety of patient care. The development and implementation of a professional doctoral degree designed specifically for health sector professionals is the exemplar through which our results are achieved and in this presentation we will discuss how and why this initiative is the way of the future in improvement science and evidence-based practice.
Results
A range of conjoint appointments, honorary positions, university and health sector supervision of research higher degrees, strong uptake of professional development through the doctoral program impact productivity both in respect of publications and grant funding opportunities as well as real improvements in the structures, processes, and outcomes of patient care.
Conclusion
Healthcare today is more complex, costly, and scrutinized than ever before. The rapid churn of new knowledge to inform best practice requires creative collaboration between the knowledge producers and consumers. Our initiative of embedding translational researchers in clinical practice through the vehicle of a professional doctoral program operated from within the healthcare facilities is both novel and timely.
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© Improvement Science Research Network, 2012
The ISRN published this as received and with permission from the author(s).