Country health supports grassroots innovators to grow as researchers

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) recognises the importance of growing our own when it comes to innovation in service development.

The 2023 Allied Health Novice Researcher Fellowship has been awarded to five emerging WACHS innovators at the beginning of their careers in research.

Representing a range of disciplines, the recipients of the 12-month fellowship are supported by WACHS Research and Innovation with mentors provided by the Curtin University School of Allied Health.

“The program builds on the WACHS vision to be at the forefront of innovation for rural and remote health care by building research capacity and developing clinician researchers within WACHS,” Director Research and Innovation Anita John said.

South West physiotherapist Genevieve O’Connor will be focussing on evaluating pre-operative education prior to joint replacement surgery and its impact on the post-operative period, including the patient length of stay.

Genevieve said her research is inspired by the passionate team at Busselton Health Campus involved in joint replacement surgery.

“Hopefully this leads to improving patient experience and outcome following major joint surgery,” she said.

For fellow South West physiotherapist Laura Macaulay the expansion of Bunbury Health Campus’ Special Care Nursery was the inspiration for her research project on premature infant physiotherapy.

“I feel so privileged to have the opportunity and support to explore a topic that I am very interested in learning more about – alongside my clinical practice,” Laura said.

Pilbara Lead Pharmacist Nikki Reynolds is looking at ways to improve pharmacy access and streamline medication dispensary.

By developing a pilot program, Nikki hopes to eventually introduce a WACHS-wide virtual pharmacy service.

"All patients should have the same access to specialist services and virtual care is the best way to achieve this in many of our communities," Nikki said.

Other Fellowship recipients include:

• Charlotte Steed – Coordinator Chronic Conditions Care – South West – Breathlessness Action Plan
• Helene Sharp – Senior Mental Health Professional – Midwest - Outpatient Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents

Congratulations to all of these outstanding fellowship recipients – we look forward to seeing how their projects shape the future of country healthcare.