National Therapy Research Strategy 2008-2013

424 379 dohc logo lg The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, today (20 November 2008) welcomed the publication of the “National Therapy Research Strategy 2008 – 2013”.

The therapy professions (including Chiropodists/Podiatrists, Dietetics, Occupational Therapists, Orthoptists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists) have always been involved in research, with research being a core component of their professional education and training. In promoting the therapy research agenda, the Government has already allocated funding for both clinical therapy research fellowships and a study to determine “Therapy Research Priorities”, which will be completed in May 2009.

The Minister said“This is the first National Therapy Research Strategy and it sets out a clear and comprehensive road map with five strategic goals and a number of key objectives to guide current and future research in the therapy professions”.

“The publication of this strategy, in a period of unparalleled change, is well timed to ensure the enhancement of health and social care services across primary, acute community and continuing care. The challenges in implementing this strategy cannot be underestimated; however, even in times of financial constraint, it is important that efforts are made to work on the cost neutral objectives of the strategy to develop excellent research capacity in the therapy professions.

“Ireland has a rich knowledge economy, which we must continue to develop and nurture. The therapy research strategy will ensure that therapists are consumers of research, participate in research and lead out on research with the ultimate aim of impacting positively on the delivery of health and social care services to clients, patients and their families.