OP96 What determinants of public health research activity contextualise embedded researcher roles? A qualitative investigation in English local government

• DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-ssmabstracts.95
• Publication Date: 2023-08-25T00:25:56Z
• Authors: Rachael Edwards; Dylan Kneale; Sarah Lester; Claire Stansfield

<h3>Background</h3> Improved collaboration between public health practitioners and academia could enhance the flow of research evidence into policy practice. Embedded researchers present one type intervention with potential to bridge research-implementation gap through their dual affiliations decision makers academia. These roles are being implemented increasing popularity in settings improve use, but they often lack clear theories change evaluative frameworks. Understanding initial levels activity, including associated barriers opportunities, is essential shaping these defining expectations. We aimed identify i) principal determinants activity that contextualise embedded researcher ii) attributes needed influence this activity. <h3>Methods</h3> undertook seventeen semi-structured interviews working local government England. were part a Clinical Research Network funded programme cultures government. They thus presented unique opportunity explore trends across connected shared aims placed within diverse contexts. An inductive thematic analysis approach was applied. <h3>Results</h3> varied substantially rising funding inequities discussed. interpersonal skills, as well pre-existing connections experience government, primary valued for researchers. The career stage also had several implications presents an important consideration design. Resource deficiencies (funding, time, infrastructure) A strong appetite opportunity. However, there inconsistencies what perceived constitute 'research' hesitancy engage due concerns involvement would be highly resource intensive. <h3>Discussion</h3> wide variety identified relevant settings. Involving process investigating context provide build trust colleagues buy-in. This focused on specific generalisability our results is, therefore, limited other schemes operating similar As such, future more interventions different layers