Embedded Research: Possibilities for Learning Health Systems Comment on “‘We’re Not Providing the Best Care if We are Not on the Cutting Edge of Research’: A Research Impact Evaluation at a Regional Australian Hospital and Health Service”

Abstract

Brown et al show that research investments in an organization with a research and translation mandate can make important gains for research impact across domains, including quality of care and patient outcomes. Their multi-stage mixed methods evaluation provides insight into research capacity development in rural health systems in Australia and draws attention towards persistent geographic inequities. In extension of this important contribution, here, a focus on the “what and the why” of embedded research is offered. Specific attention is paid to the sustainability potentials of systematized data capture systems, funding-operational mandate alignments, researcher-scientist career pathways, and networked approaches to mentorship.

Keywords: Embedded Research, Mentorship, Clinician-Researcher, Clinician-Scientist, Research Impact, Learning Health Systems