Strategies to enhance Australian psychologists’ as research leaders.
Psychologists from the NSW public health sector recently published an article on barriers to psychologists engaging in research, and therefore working fully within the Scientist-Practitioner (S-P) model.
The S-P model functions best when clinicians can critically evaluate the literature to inform practice, as well as use their clinical expertise to develop research feeding back into the evidence-base. Despite an expectation that psychologists contribute to the S-P model, often barriers prevent psychologists embedding research into clinical roles. The piece explores common barriers and enablers and outlines initiatives of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) Psychology Research and Improvement Committee to address this issue.
A survey of the SESLHD psychology workforce identified lack of protected time and funding, and a perceived lack of knowledge as the primary barriers to research involvement. Through the development of a Research Community of Practice (CoP-R), SESLHD psychologists come together to share ideas and resources on effectively engaging in research. Another initiative is an annual research poster competition to showcase psychologists’ work from across the district. In 2020, the Committee held a Research Forum for SESLHD psychologists and academics from three major NSW universities that led to the development of numerous clinician/academic research partnerships aimed at addressing some identified barriers.
Despite these initiatives, there is more to be done to address barriers to public sector psychologists engaging in research.
To optimise use of psychologists’ training in research skills (that actually distinguishes us from other professions), Smith & Thew (2017) suggest a research component be built into roles. This may require changes at state policy and organisational levels, with budget allocations and the inclusion of research involvement within industrial awards. Such ongoing organisational and managerial sponsorship, along with funding allocation, is central to creating a culture that genuinely values and supports research activities by public health psychologists.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00050067.2021.1981743
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