The Allied Health Education and Research Unit
Allied Health Research
At GV Health, we recognise that research is the cornerstone of advancing healthcare and achieving better health outcomes. We support our allied health professionals to engage in research and implement evidence-based practices, empowering them to respond to challenges and deliver high-quality care to our community. Through these efforts, our allied health professionals contribute to the development of new knowledge, enhance their expertise, and lead advancements in healthcare.
Our Research Initiatives
The Allied Health Education and Research Unit supports allied health staff and external collaborators in conducting research at GV Health. This support spans projects of all sizes, from small-scale studies to clinical trials, aiming to advance both our health service and the broader community.
Examples of research support provided include:
- Research advice, mentorship, and supervision for GV Health staff
- Research education for GV Health staff and health professionals within the Hume Region
- Opportunities for external organisations to partner with GV Health in conducting research that benefits our health service and the communities we serve, including student projects
For further information on ethics and governance process, please go to Research – GV Health
The Introduction to Research Mentorship Program is an initiative designed to empower professionals to develop confidence and skills in turning ideas into meaningful research projects.
The program:
- Is tailored to support allied health professionals interested in research, regardless of prior experience, by providing flexible and individualised mentorship
- Offers practical guidance on research fundamentals, including developing research questions, conducting studies, and preparing scholarly outputs
- Fosters collaboration with mentors and, where appropriate, external co-mentors, ensuring comprehensive support for participants’ research journeys
The program is run on an ongoing basis and is available in 3, 6, or 12-month mentorship periods. The program aims to deliver clear outcomes, such as developing a robust research proposal or achieving co-authorship on a disseminated project.
The Introduction to Research ECHO is an initiative designed to foster a community of practice in research among healthcare professionals, empowering them to engage in research and translate evidence into care.
The program:
- Is based on the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), offering interactive online learning sessions that connect healthcare professionals with research experts and research interested peers in a supportive environment
- Features concise presentations followed by participant-led case discussions and facilitated feedback
- Delivers practical resources, including case summaries, evidence-based recommendations, and links to relevant research tools, to support participants’ ongoing development
The initiative is developed and led by the Allied Health Education and Research Unit, in collaboration with Charles Sturt University, La Trobe University, and The University of Melbourne. It is open to all healthcare professionals, within and outside of the organisation. For more information, please go to Project ECHO – GV Health
GV Health supports and actively participates in clinical trials, including those led by allied health professions, to enhance patient care and outcomes. Our approach involves building partnerships with consumers, universities, research institutes, and industry. We encourage external researchers to contact us to discuss collaborations on trials aligned with our organisational and community goals.
Supporting Allied Health Students in Research
GV Health is committed to fostering the next generation of allied health clinician-researchers by providing support to allied health students undertaking research as part of their honours, postgraduate, or professional training programs.
- Opportunities for students to work alongside experienced GV Health clinician-researchers who provide mentorship and co-supervision to guide their research journey.
- Support in preparing research proposals, ethics applications, and navigating administrative requirements for conducting research.
- Facilitation of access to patient data (where appropriate and ethically approved), facilities, and relevant tools needed for high-quality research.
Regional Leader in Allied Health Research
GV Health is proud to be recognised as a regional leader in allied health research, collaborating with key partners to strengthen healthcare outcomes in Victoria.
- GV Health participates in the Victorian Allied Health Research and Knowledge Translation Program, working alongside other health services to enhance the translation of evidence into clinical practice and improve healthcare delivery across Victoria.
- We are an active participant in the Rural Health Academic Network, a collaboration that includes Northeast Health Wangaratta, Echuca Regional Health, NCN Health, Yea & District Memorial Hospital, and The University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health.
- GV Health is involved in the Hume Region Allied Health Education Group. In addition to our involvement in education, we contribute to the Hume Region Allied Health Conference, a key event that brings together allied health professionals to share research findings and innovative practices.
Research Publications
GV Health is proud to showcase the research achievements of its staff, highlighting their contributions to the advancement of healthcare knowledge and practice.
GVH Published Staff – Honour Roll – LibGuides at Goulburn Valley Health – GVH Published Staff – Honour Roll – LibGuides at Goulburn Valley Health
- Interested in Allied Health Research at GV Health
Please contact:
Manager, Allied Health Education and Research Unit – Dr Emma Macdonald, emma.macdonald@gvhealth.org.au
Allied Health Research and Knowledge Translation Lead – Dr Ryan McGrath, ryan.mcgrath@gvhealth.org.au
- Allied Health Education and Training
The Allied Health Education and Research Unit also provides a robust education and development program.