title: Establishment and preliminary outcomes of a palliative care research network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The difficulties in conducting palliative care research have been widely acknowledged. In order to generate the evidence needed to underpin palliative care provision, collaborative research is considered essential. Prior to formalizing the development of a research network for the state of Victoria, Australia, a preliminary study was undertaken to ascertain interest and recommendations for the design of such a collaboration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three data-collection strategies were used: a cross-sectional questionnaire, interviews, and workshops. The questionnaire was completed by multidisciplinary palliative care specialists from across the state (n = 61); interviews were conducted with senior clinicians and academics (n = 21) followed by two stakeholder workshops (n = 29). The questionnaire was constructed specifically for this study, measuring involvement of and perceptions of palliative care research.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both the interview and the questionnaire data demonstrated strong support for a palliative care research network and aided in establishing a research agenda. The stakeholder workshops assisted with strategies for the formation of the Palliative Care Research Network Victoria (PCRNV) and guided the development of the mission and strategic plan.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The research and efforts to date to establish the PCRNV are encouraging and provide optimism for the evolution of palliative care research in Australia. The international implications are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Palliative Care,St Vincent's Hospital,Australia.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.affiliation: Palliative Care Unit,Department of Public Health,La Trobe University,Melbourne,Victoria,Australia.
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Street
authors.affiliation: NHS Education for Scotland,Edinburgh,Scotland,United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing,University of Melbourne,Australia.
authors.forename: Sanchia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aranda
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery,Monash University,Melbourne,Australia.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.affiliation: Centre for Palliative Care,St Vincent's Hospital,Australia.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Supportive and Palliative Care,Monash Health and Monash University,Melbourne,Australia.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.affiliation: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre,Melbourne,Australia.
authors.forename: Odette
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Spruyt
authors.affiliation: Centre for Palliative Care,St Vincent's Hospital,Australia.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ugalde
authors.affiliation: Centre for Palliative Care,St Vincent's Hospital,Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Philip
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: Collaboration; Intervention; Outcome; Palliative; Research