Setting priorities for health education research: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Introduction: Identifying priority research topics that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders should maximize research investment.

Aim: To identify priorities for health education research.

Methods: A three-stage sequential mixed methods study was conducted. Priorities for health education research were identified through a qualitative survey with 104 students, patients, academics, and clinicians across five health sciences and 12 professions (stage 1). These findings were analyzed using framework analysis and transposed into a quantitative survey whereby 780 stakeholders rated and ranked the identified priorities. Descriptive statistics identified priorities, exploratory factor analysis grouped priorities and differences between stakeholders were determined using Mann–Whitney U tests (stage 2). Six individual or group interviews with 16 participants (stage 3) further explicated the results from previous stages.

Results: Of 30 priorities identified, the top were: how best to ensure students develop the required skills for work; how to promote resiliency and well-being in students; and ensuring the curriculum prepares students for work. For the majority of priorities, no significant differences were found between different stakeholder groups.

Conclusions: These findings will be used to inform health educational research strategy both locally and nationally. Further research should explore if setting priorities can be translated effectively into education research policy and practice.

Acknowledgement

We like to thank Kat Orgallo, Graphic Designer, Teaching Resources Support Unit (TRSU), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, for assistance in designing the graphic.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Notes

Notes

1 Questionnaires can be requested from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by a Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences teaching and learning grant.

Notes on contributors

Claire Palermo

Claire Palermo, BSc, MND, MPH, PhD, is Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Monash Center for Scholarship in Health Education.

Olivia King

Olivia King, BPod (Honours), Grad Cert Diab Ed, PhD, is a post-doctoral research fellow, Monash Center for Scholarship in Health Education.

Tina Brock

Tina Brock, BS (Pharm), MSc, PhD, is Professor of Pharmacy Education and Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Ted Brown

Ted Brown, OT(C), PhD, is Associate Professor and Undergraduate Course Coordinator, Department of Occupational Therapy.

Paul Crampton

Paul Crampton, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, is a post-doctoral research fellow, Monash Center for Scholarship in Health Education.

Helen Hall

Helen Hall, MMid, PhD, is a Midwife and Senior Lecturer Nursing & Midwifery, Head of Campus (Peninsula).

Janet Macaulay

Janet Macaulay, BSc. (Hons), MSc, PhD, is a Professor and Director of Biomedical Education, School of Biomedical Sciences.

Julia Morphet

Julia Morphet, MN (Ed), Grad Cert Hlth Prof Ed, Grad Dip Em Nurs, PhD, is Director of Education, Nursing and Midwifery.

Matthew Mundy

Matthew Mundy, MSc, PhD, is Director of Education, School of Psychological Sciences.

Louise Oliaro

Louise Oliaro, BA, Grad Dip Ed, BSW, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Work.

Sophie Paynter

Sophie Paynter, BSc, BPhysio(Hons), is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy.

Brett Williams

Brett Williams, BAVEd, Grad Cert Int Care Paramed, Grad Dip Emerg Hlth, MHlthSc, PhD, is a Professor, Head of Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice.

Caroline Wright

Caroline Wright, BSc(hon), MSc, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

Charlotte E. Rees

Charlotte E. Rees, BSc (hons), MEd, PhD, is a Professor and Director of the Monash Center for Scholarship in Health Education.