Embedded researchers' purpose and practice: Current perspectives from Australia.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Clinical Research
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• The embedded researcher model aims to increase clinical staff engagement and evidence integration into practice through co-production of research.
• Understanding the role and purpose of embedded researchers in Australian healthcare is crucial for optimizing research impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the role and purpose of embedded researchers within Australian healthcare settings.
• To explore how embedded researchers contribute to research capacity building and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory online survey was conducted with current and former embedded researchers.
• Embedded researchers were defined as individuals with research qualifications working at least 30% of their time in a healthcare organization on research or research capacity building.

Main Results:

• Most embedded researchers reported a dual purpose: building clinician research capacity and conducting clinical research.
• A smaller proportion focused on supporting and improving clinical practice.
• Respondents worked towards traditional academic key performance indicators alongside clinical and healthcare service indicators.

Conclusions:

• Embedded researchers contribute significantly to research development and engagement in health services, often exceeding current recognition.
• Their work is measured by a diverse range of indicators, including capacity building, clinical performance, and healthcare service outcomes, in addition to academic metrics.