Establishment of a Research Unit in Colac, a Medium Rural Town: An Update on Progress and Guidance for Rural Health Service Research Strategy Development

ABSTRACTBackgroundRural health services have not had the same opporunities for research as metropolitan health services. Despite increasing awareness of the importance of placed‐based research led by rural health services, there are few examples in the literature on how this can be done.AimsIn this AJRH Practice Insight we aim to provide an update on the establishment and progress of the Colac Area Health (CAH) research unit. This is a health service led research unit that services rural areas classified as MM4‐5 by the Modified Monash Model.MethodsPractice insight.DiscussionThis experience may assist other small or medium‐sized rural health services to undertake the same strategic goal of building locally relevant and place‐based research, along with providing hope for those setting out to integrate research into rural health service organisational structures, while minimising the burden on existing resources.ConclusionThis Practice Insight demonstrates that rural health services can integrate research units into their organisational structures, with minimal burden on resources alongside support from partners who understand the value of rural health research. Lessons learned serve as a valuable example for other rural health services who are seeking to drive their own research programs and support their staff to access research career opportunities.