The NSW Health Research Handbook was developed to embed a research-enabling culture across NSW Health organisations, aiming to shift the perception of governance from a barrier to a facilitator of research. The Office for Health and Medical Research (OHMR) developed the Handbook, which was then piloted at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. Feedback from these sites helped refine the Handbook, which now encompasses 20 sections, covering the full research lifecycle- from initiation to the dissemination of findings.
Designed as a living document, the Handbook consolidates key research governance information into a single, centralised resource. It allows health organisations to adapt its content to suit local needs without altering the core content. Topics include but are not limited to ethics approval pathways, site authorisation, clinical trials agreements, resource management. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of staff involved in site- specific assessment; and includes a process map to visualise the research workflow, from study initiation to data publication.
Since its release in July 2024, the Handbook has been well received for its practical and clear approach to complex governance topics. It has quickly proven invaluable in streamlining research operations, improving quality, and strengthening the capabilities of research offices. As a result, it has a positive impact on the broader research environment within NSW Health.
The Handbook is currently in the phase of active feedback collection, with input being gathered from users across the sector to refine and improve its content. Major revisions are planned for September 2025, based on ongoing feedback and the evolving needs of NSW Health Organisations. As the first of its kind, the Handbook has the potential to serve as a model for other jurisdictions across Australia, to foster a more streamlined and collaborative research landscape nationwide.