The Research Forum For Allied Health Professionals Professor Wesley Vernon
Purpose Of The Research Forum For Allied Health Professions Sharing and dissemination of ideas Expert comment Disseminate and share relevant papers, strategies and information Six areas for research development Peer reviewers for funding bodies Base AHP work on best evidence
Early Vision of the Forum The vision of the RFAHP is to develop a strong inter-professional research culture within each member profession that is responsive to the needs of consumers, carers and providers of health and social care services. The intention is to support collaborative inter-agency partnerships to promote high quality research, which fulfils the requirements of national policies
Six Areas for Development Strategic approach to research problems AHP inclusion in R and R policy Sustainable research communities Enhance research capability Develop research programmes Evaluative culture Peer reviewers for R and D
Ultra Long Term Vision All AHP practice will be knowledge and evidence based by the year 2100, within a respected culture of high quality research.
Functioning of the RFAHP Meetings – 4x/year Terms of reference – AHPF accountable, vision and aims Membership – chair convener, officers, members Communication – internal/external/bulletin Ultra long term vision focused
Achievements Multiple outputs External group representation (e.g. HTA, ACTS, SIG for Education and research) Awareness raising Data collection/collation
How Well Has the RFAHP Worked? High critical mass Single contact point Being listened to in some areas Gathering awareness of AHP research Inter-professional rivalries ended within RFAHP
Limitations of the RFAHP Reliance on voluntarism Communication could be improved further AHPF relationship could be clearer Real power currently limited
The Future? The End