Research Coordinator Dr Kelsey Pateman

RIPE program embeds strong research culture

The Research in Practice (RIPE) program was developed to address a gap in research skills and experience among the prevocational doctor workforce at Caboolture Hospital.

Research Coordinator Dr Kelsey Pateman said RIPE was a partnership between the Medical Education Unit and Research Development Unit (RDU) at Caboolture Hospital.

“It provided education and structured support for intern doctors to take part in research or quality improvement (QI) initiatives while on placement,” Dr Pateman said.

“RIPE was also an opportunity to embed structured research support, momentum, and enthusiasm for research across Caboolture Hospital.”

The program introduced interns to research/QI projects while also providing support and mentoring to clinical research leads.

Four education sessions and weekly drop-in sessions were run by RDU staff members and the end of year Intern Research Showcase allowed interns the opportunity to present their projects.

“The program increased satisfaction with research and audit opportunities at Caboolture Hospital by 30 per cent, compared to 2020,” Dr Pateman said.

“It also lifted the ranking of Caboolture Hospital with regards to research opportunities – from 19th of 20 Queensland training hospitals in 2020, up to sixth in 2021.”

Two 2021 alumni have remained at Caboolture Hospital and are now leading their own research projects, demonstrating the program’s success at improving research growth and sustainability.

Due to demand, the program has been expanded to all junior doctors in 2022 and evaluation results are being prepared for peer review publication.

Contact RDU.Caboolture@health.qld.gov.au for more information.