A Cross-Organisational Collaboration to Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living in Children: A Critical Reflection

Abstract

Objectives

To critically reflect on a collaborative research partnership between university-based researchers, a state government-funded health promotion workforce, and policy makers, focused on promoting healthy eating and active living for children funded by the New South Wales (NSW) Health Prevention Research Support Program (PRSP).

Importance of Study

Government bodies and academic institutions frequently operate in silos, creating knowledge translation challenges. Research takes time to reach practitioners, hindering uptake of evidence-based interventions in public health settings.

Study Type

Qualitative reflective evaluation.

Methods

Thirty key stakeholders from the PRSP funded ‘EnHANCE’ research group collaboration were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Open-ended questions were structured around the six themes of Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (1998), to allow participants to reflect on their collaborative experiences spanning July 2017 to June 2022. Participants included University of Wollongong academics, PhD candidates, and NSW Health staff (managers and health promotion officers). Data were analysed using a deductive thematic analysis process, systematically identifying, analysing, and grouping into themes to highlight both the challenges and successes experienced by participants.

Results

Fifteen participants responded. Challenges included COVID-19 disruptions, navigating jurisdictional diversity, and initial misalignment of organisational priorities. Notable successes emerged, including the establishment of a strong, equitable research partnership, timely local implementation of research findings, enhanced cross-jurisdictional learning and gradual alignment of research and health promotion priorities as relationships strengthened. A critical factor for the success of this collaboration has been the successive PRSP funding rounds which have given partnerships time to mature and be productive.

Conclusions

The PRSP demonstrates an effective funding model for facilitating meaningful collaboration between academics, policymakers, and practitioners. Future funding schemes should aim to include opportunities to build strong collaborations, and researchers should integrate and explore adaptive, responsive models of cross-organisational research partnerships.