Lost in Translation: Risks to research-driven service improvement n the environment of macro health reform

One proven key to translating research into policy and practice is to ensure the committed engagement of influential practitioners throughout the research process. The understanding and relationships on both sides which flow from this involvement ensures there are strategically placed people within the relevant bureaucracy to act as research translators and champions for the implementation of the research evidence. BUT what happens when the key is broken by larger structural reforms? Our Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage study was seeking to develop responsive service models to support social engagement , and consequent enhanced wellbeing, among rural older people. We also felt the outcomes could enrich national Home and Community Care (HACC) guidelines and approaches. Our ‘partners’ in this research were the State health agency in Tasmania (DHHS) and the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS), whose policy leaders and key practitioners were involved in the project from the development of the application.