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The role of research facilitation positions in health services: A scoping review
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  • Caitlin BRANDENBURG,
  • Rachel BRIMELOW,
  • Angela T CHANG,
  • Kylie MATTHEWS-RENSCH,
  • Iona VAN DER WIEL,
  • Shona VAN GARDEREN,
  • Hannah MAYR
Caitlin BRANDENBURG
Metro South Hospital and Health Service

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Rachel BRIMELOW
Metro South Hospital and Health Service
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Angela T CHANG
Metro South Hospital and Health Service
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Kylie MATTHEWS-RENSCH
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
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Iona VAN DER WIEL
Queensland Health
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Shona VAN GARDEREN
Queensland Health
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Hannah MAYR
Metro South Hospital and Health Service
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Abstract

Abstract Background: Research facilitation (RF) positions are a developing workforce in health services. The aim of this review was to explore literature on the role and impact of these positions. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using three inclusion criteria. 1. Population: Articles about RF positions; 2. Concept: Articles that describe the roles and duties of RF positions, and/or report how their impact is evaluated; 3. Context: RF positions employed by, or have a significant role within, health services. Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL electronic databases were searched in June 2022 for records from 2000-present. Full text articles published in English were included. Data were extracted regarding the structure, responsibilities, and evaluation of RF positions. Results : Eighteen articles were included, representing 86 RF positions. Most positions were orientated to support nursing or allied health research. Position titles and structure varied widely. Whilst key responsibilities were highly heterogeneous, almost all included providing direct support to health service staff to engage in research, and many included facilitating research education. A range of measures were used to evaluate RF positions, with traditional academic outputs such as publications and grants most frequent. Quantitative evidence of the impact of RF positions was weak, though positive. Qualitative evaluations revealed the important role of RF positions in research capacity and evidence-based practice. Conclusion: RF positions provided a wide variety of supports to clinicians and health services. While there is some positive evidence of the value of RF positions, further research is needed on their structure and outcomes.
Submitted to International Journal of Health Planning and Management
28 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
28 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
28 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Oct 20241st Revision Received
19 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
19 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
19 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned