Research Ready Grant Program: A model for collaborative multidisciplinary practice-research partnerships

An innovative research project launched by CQ Health this week will have wide-reaching benefits for the healthcare of Central Queenslanders. Chief Executive Steve Williamson and Board Chair Paul Bell helped launch CQ Health’s Research Ready Grant Program, which will drive research programs in Central Queensland to ultimately improve healthcare services using solid evidence gathered locally. Mr Williamson said support and resources to allow local clinical research was essential in the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. “We need to keep our clinicians engaged and enthused and research opportunities are an ideal platform for that. The ultimate benefit of those research programs of course is the improvement of the services we offer our patients and consumers, and that’s the reason we all do what we do.” Mr Williamson said learning and research was one of the five objectives outlined in CQ Health’s strategic plan, Destination 2030: Great Care for Central Queenslanders. He said this project was made possible through collaboration with CQUniversity and University of Queensland Rural Clinical School. Twenty-four teams will do an eight-week skills development program mentored by experienced researchers who will help them develop a research application. Eight projects will be chosen and will then be funded for a 12-month research program that will transform healthcare for Central Queenslanders.