Dipping your toe into Research: A STaRR program participant panel

Abstract

Panel members: Shanae Draffen, Program Manager, South West Local Health Service Network Anne Wakim, Clinical Support Nurse, South West Healthcare Hayley Keane, Ethics and Governance Support Officer, South West Healthcare Background: Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre support research capability building through their Supporting Translation of Research into Rural and Regional health settings (STaRR) program. The STaRR program aims to provide health staff with the foundational research skills needed to develop a research translation-focused project (i.e., a project that will develop or use existing evidence to underpin change in practice or policy). Participants receive mentoring support and access to a range of resources to assist them in the development of their project. STaRR participants can nominate their own mentor or be paired with one by the STaRR team prior to the workshops. There are opportunities for STaRR participants to apply for grant funding to progress their research idea or translate the findings into practice post completion of the training course. All staff working at Western Alliance member health organisations (Barwon Health, Colac Area Health, East Grampians Health Service, Grampians Health, Maryborough District Health Service, South West Healthcare, Western District Health Service, Western Victoria PHN) are eligible for the STaRR program. Western Alliance covers the cost of the training program, making it free to participate. Panel Discussion: South West Healthcare has a number of staff members who have undertaken the StaRR program and progressed research related to their work. The panel will share with you their experiences, what you can expect, how StaRR benefitted them as professionals and researchers and where are they now. At lunch you will be able to chat with the panel members about the program and understand if StaRR could be for you.