Needs assessment to shape rural health research capacity building strategies: a mixed methods study

Introduction Rural areas require tailored rural health research capacity building aligned to the local needs and interests. To set the directions for a rural health research capacity building strategy, we aimed to conduct a needs assessment of rural health research interests, barriers and enablers across rural health stakeholders. Methods We conducted mixed methods research that included an anonymous online survey of Australian rural health stakeholders from hospitals, primary care and rural health agencies and qualitative interviews with those who consented from two rural regions in Victoria, Australia. Results Forty individuals completed the survey and twenty-six individuals participated in interviews. The aggregate data suggested that there is strong interest in rural health research although many survey respondents preferred to be aware about research that is underway and which they could get involved in, rather than to lead it. Interview findings suggested that rural health research is considered useful for driving rural health investments, promoting quality healthcare and recruiting and retaining rural health workforces. Barriers to rural health research included higher workloads in smaller clinical teams, limited funding, under-developed research structures, organisation, time and tools. Enablers included having a research strategy aligned with the community's needs, research governance/planning processes for research teams, research tools and academic networks. The balance of interests, barriers and enablers for rural health research capacity building varied between rural health executives and clinicians but was consistent across hospitals and other rural health services. Conclusions Rural health research is valued for driving more investment, demonstrating rural healthcare service quality and recruiting and retaining health workforce. However, strategies to build research capacity may need to focus on helping rural health services formulate research strategies, structures, governance and funding and to embed tools and planning processes in collaboration with research teams at rural universities. Such capacity could facilitate engagement and participation of diverse rural stakeholders in flexible ways. Addressing rural health research needs also requires robust place-based academic and practice networks across rural regions.