A $90,000 grant will allow a researcher to investigate wider impacts of COVID-19

A $90,000 grant will see a Darling Downs health researcher investigate the broader impacts of COVID-19 among Queensland’s rural health workforce.

A Darling Downs Health researcher has been awarded $90,000 to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical supervision at Queensland regional and rural hospitals.

Dr Priya Martin, who began fellowship duties in August, said the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships scheme called for applicants to gain matched funding, and she was successful in gaining contributions from Darling Downs Health, Southern Queensland Rural Health, The University of Queensland Rural Clinical School Toowoomba and the University of South Australia.

Dr Martin said the 18-month research project would have three components and provide real evidence about how the pandemic affected clinical supervision within the rural health workforce in Queensland.

“It is vital we conduct this research because of the rapid changes and implementation of new procedures due to the pandemic,” she said.

“We have a valuable opportunity to answer questions and develop strategies that support the health workforce in times of major shock like COVID-19.

“The health facilities in regional and rural Queensland have been incredibly resilient in the face of this pandemic, however there is always room for lessons learned, especially given the unprecedented nature of COVID-19.”