Brown L1, King J1, Gibbs C1, McLean D2
1Retrieval Services Queensland, 2Retrieval Services Queensland
Biography:
Lynsey is a health researcher and manager with 20 years' experience across academic and public service settings in Australia and New Zealand. With a PhD in health psychology and a background in primary health care and public health research, she has led national research and evaluation functions in health promotion and public health intelligence. Lynsey enjoys both advocating for the importance of research and supporting emerging researchers in their development. She is passionate about translating evidence into actionable insights that drive improved practice and policy, to enhance health outcomes.
Abstract
Aims: Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) coordinates the aeromedical retrieval of critically unwell patients across the state and provides specialised education and telehealth support for clinicians in rural and remote settings. Research is an important component in RSQ’s ongoing development, and aims to provide opportunities for measuring impact, assessing best practice, and exploring evidence-based innovation. This presentation will describe the process of RSQ moving from a service building a research team, into a service where research activities are maturing and research is embedded throughout the organisation.
Methods: In 2022 and 2023, the Clinical Director of Research and Evaluation, with a then team of one, was successful in obtaining funding to support capacity building and further seed funding to bolster research from the Emergency Medicine Foundation and Motor Accident and Insurance Commission, respectively.
Results: This presentation will outline how this funding has supported the development of a research team and scaffolding to support research growth within RSQ. Central to this work is an overview of the workstream-based research activities which will assist in continuing to progress the research maturity of the organisation.
Conclusions: We envision that the lessons learnt, and future directions indicated in this presentation, will be of interest for the audience, to inform their own action to support research and evaluation of the important work that happens in the air, on the ground and virtually, to promote rural and remote health, safety and equity.