Issues and Challenges for Health Research in Geelong

Aims & rationale/Objectives Following the establishment of a chair in general practice at Deakin University we set out to map research programs in the Geelong region to identify those that might enhance general practice research capacity building in the region. Methods A series of semi structured interviews were conducted with established key medical researchers at Barwon Health, Geelong Hospital, Deakin University and Geelong Medicare Local. A qualitative analysis was utilised to identify themes. Principal findings Most researchers in Geelong have common difficulties with their research on a daily basis. Interviewees felt, because of institutional fragmentation, that a research community did not exist hindering collaboration between researchers. Individuals often felt they were conducting niche research in isolation. This resulted in a lack of sustainable research infrastructure. Short-term employment contracts created a sense of job insecurity amongst research workers and potentially a lack of commitment. In particular the lack of statistical support and support to write research grants were identified as major barriers to improving research activity. Implications New regional medical schools face many problems in developing research programs. Building primary care research capacity in these schools is aided by integrating with other health researchers and particularly by the provision of research infrastructure such as statistical advice and grant writing skills. Stakeholders in the Geelong region need to start a dialogue and raise awareness at higher levels in health services and universities to build focused and sound research investment. These are essential elements to build on the existing successful research. Presentation type Poster