Development of an Illustrative Conceptual Model to Promote Rural Research Capacity Building Efforts by Embedded Researchers

PROBLEM: The Rural Health Academic Network aims to build research capacity through partnering with rural health services. However, describing its work and achievements is difficult. This paper presents the development of an illustrative conceptual model (the model) to promote the Network within rural healthcare. SETTING: The Network was introduced by a university department of rural health in 2006. Currently, research coordinators are embedded in four rural health services in northern Victoria, Australia. MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT: The model development was informed by an established checklist for reporting Theory of Change concepts in public health interventions. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE: Commencing in 2021, collaborative, interdisciplinary group discussions initiated the model design. These involved the research coordinators and university supervisors. EFFECTS OF CHANGE: The model describes the 'what' and 'how' of the Network, conceptualised through strategies, outputs, expected outcomes (short, medium, long-term), and desired impacts. Examples from the four sites emphasise the diverse contexts, the importance of partnerships and collaboration, and the dynamic nature of the work. LESSONS LEARNT: Sharing the development of the model highlights the benefits of applying a common understanding of building research capacity. It acknowledges the challenges of reporting impact as a rural research collective involving multiple unique sites.