Researchers
- Ms Lisa Johns, Clinical Research Program, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
- Associate Professor Nicole Lee, Clinical Research Program, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
- Ms Angela Simpson, Clinical Research Program, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Summary
There have been many calls for the stronger adoption of evidence-based practice in the AOD sector. In order to understand what is effective and what is not, clinicians require an understanding of research and direction in how to translate research into practice.
A series of workshops was specifically designed for AOD service providers to enhance their capacity to engage in and understand research. These provided a two-way exchange where service providers gained an improved understanding of research, and improved capacity to utilise evidence-based practices; and researchers gained a better understanding of the clinical environment and how to better translate their research into practice.
Very few participants had attended training of this type previously, and only about a third of attendees reported any involvement in practice-based research.
Outcomes
Evaluation of the workshops shows a great deal of enthusiasm in the AOD sector for services becoming more meaningfully involved in research and evaluation. Feedback from workshop participants highlighted the need for researchers to involve services in the conceptualisation process of research projects. This would enable services to have input into research processes and ensure the development of research proposals which are relevant and applicable to clinical practice.
References
Johns, L, Lee, N & Simpson, A 2009 Establishment of a practice research network in Victoria: increasing clinical capacity to do what works through involvement in research. Unpublished. Melbourne: Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre.
