A sustainable nursing and midwifery partnership research network improving patient care

Abstract

The focus of this presentation is Deakin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery sustainable Research Network and its contributions through the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research. The Research Network has pioneered academic-industry partnerships, embedding researchers within major health services in Victoria, Australia.The first health service partnership was established in 1996 with the appointment of a Clinical Chair in Nursing, and the network has since grown to be large, wide reaching and sustainable, resulting in health services that together provide care for over three million Victorians annually. The three key research pillars underpinning the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research are patient safety, patient experience, and health workforce in the context of a variety of healthcare settings. Today, the School has one of the largest nursing and midwifery professoriates in Australia. These include Chairs in Nursing or Chairs in Midwifery, and most recently an Associate Professor in MentalHealth Nursing, all jointly appointed by the University and health services, that leadresearch teams focused on improving patient and maternity outcomes. The teams of researchers in each health service collaborate widely with clinicians and other researchers to generate knowledge, synthesise evidence, and translate evidence into practice. In addition, clinicians are supported to undertake research degrees, further building research capacity and leadership in the health service. Examples of impact of the sustainable network will be showcased.