Understanding the research capacity of Australian alcohol and other drug services

Background: Enhancing health system research capacity can support improved quality care. This study assessed the research capacity of public Local Health District (LHD) and non-government organisation (NGO) alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), at the organisational, team and individual level.  Research barriers and motivators were also examined.

Methods: Staff from LHD and NGO AOD services completed an online survey using the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool.  Overall median research capacity scores are presented for the RCC subscales (organisational, team and individual). Comparisons were conducted by service type (LHD/ NGO), geographical location (metropolitan/rural) and affiliation with a research network (yes/no). Qualitative questions explored barriers and motivators to research at individual and team levels.

Results: Of 242 participants, 55% were LHD-based, and 45% NGO-based. Overall RCC scores indicated moderate research capacity at all levels. Organisational capacity (Med=6.50, IQR=3.50) scored significantly higher than the team (Med=5.00, IQR=6.00) and individual level (Med=5.00, IQR=4.25). No differences in RCC scores existed between NGOs and LHDs. Metropolitan AOD services scored higher research capacity at the organisational level (Med=7.00, IQR=3.00) than rural services (Med=5.00, IQR=5.00). LHDs affiliated with a research network scored significantly higher at the organisational, team and individual level than non-affiliated LHD services. Key research barriers were inadequate time and funding. Motivators included skill development and problem-identification requiring change.

Conclusions: The results from this study provide a measure of the research capacity within NSW AOD services, with those that participated demonstrating moderate research capacity.  This can be used to inform a targeted response aimed at enhancing research capacity, while in turn, improving the outcomes for those seeking treatment and support. The development of targeted strategies that address specific issues around designated time to conduct research, resourcing (funding and infrastructure), and support for research that are clinically relevant may increase the research capacity of AOD service in the future.