Research Strategy to 2030

The new Strategic Plan for Research (to 2030) will be developed which identifies the future service directions and priorities, including research networks, clinical trials and capability required to meet the future needs of research in SWSLHD and aligns to NSW Health research and innovation directions.

The SWSLHD Research Strategy will provide a framework for research development required over the coming six years. Key aspects that will be undertaken as part of the development of the Strategy are outlined as follows:
 

Critically evaluate current Research Strategy, including: 

• Policy, organisational and research context at a national, state and local level.
   
• Current demographic and population health community profile and its impact on demand for health services, patient centred care and research priorities, including the diversity of the community, access and equity.
   
•  Reporting and governance relationships for Research in SWS and the operational and strategy research alliance with the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research

• Profile of Research within SWSLHD Facilities (and associated research institutes) and for SWSLHD residents.
   
• Review service, practice and clinical improvement outcomes of research
   
• Develop a strategic approach for the continued development and uplift of the research capability and clinical trials activities, including a focus on staff retention, governance and research career pathways to sustain capacity for research
   
• Develop implementation action plan which includes strategies, actions and timeframes required to progress research within the District.

The consultation for the Strategy will take place in a number of stages:

Stage 1 – Idea Box:
An open, anonymous feedback survey called the 'Idea Box' will be open from 22 April to 10 May 2024. This is your first opportunity to let us know what we should continue working on, what we should consider now and going into the future.

Stage 1a – Consumer and Community Consultation: 
As part of the initial scoping and consultation, SWSLHD will hold targeted focus groups with members of our community on the development of both our Research and Innovation Strategies which are under development. This will include discussions with our CALD and Aboriginal communities with support from SWSLHD Multicultural Health, Aboriginal Health and Consumer and Community Participation units. Consumers will also be invited to participate in the Idea Box and InnovateHub stages specifically for the Research Strategy.

If you would like details on how to be involved in the focus groups, please contact the SWSLHD Planning Unit at:

• SWSLHD-DistrictPlanningUnit@health.nsw.gov.au
   

Stage 2 – InnovateHub:
The second stage of our consultation will be further refining and developing the themes identified from the Idea Box using a platform called InnovateHub. Details for InnovateHub will be available shortly.
 

Stage 3 – Roundtables:
The final stage of our consultation will be deliberative discussion and decision making as part of structured roundtable discussions in July-August 2024 with invited stakeholders. We anticipate that the Research Strategy to 2030 will be finalised and circulated in late 2024.

If you would like more information on the development of the Research Strategy, please contact:

• Rachel Goldrick on 0484 595 642 or at SWSLHD-ResearchDirectorate@health.nsw.gov.au 

The diagram below highlights the key achievements of the SWSLHD Research Strategy to 2030: