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Supervision and mentorship

[Fellows, Scholars, Research Supervisors and Mentors are advised, before commencing on a supervision/mentorship relationship, to read the article 'Mutual Accountability' available from the website of Triple Creek Associates, creators of the Open Mentoring® program; and the article 'The Seven Habits and Mentoring' available from the Australia Mentor Centre website and based on the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.]

RDP Fellows and Scholars sign a learning agreement together with their research supervisors and mentors to indicate that they have understood and accepted the expectations of the Fellowship and Scholarship.

Mutual Obligations/Accountability

Fellows and Scholars are encouraged and expected to apply themselves and extend their research skills and capacities whilst in the Fellowship. Similarly, Fellows and Scholars can expect research supervision and mentorship whilst under the program that would enable them to develop their research skills, explore possibilities of further qualifications and potential career options as primary health care researchers.

VicPHCRED is committed to striving for a productive, trustful and honest working supervision and mentorship relationship, which can be best achieved by understanding and adhering to the principles and mutual obligations and accountabilities contained in this document.

Fellows and Scholars

Fellows' and Scholars' obligations/accountabilities include:

  • Meet regularly as agreed with research supervisor and mentors, and to consult with the former with regards to ALL aspects of their research projects.
  • Attend lectures and training during the 13-week 'Introduction to Research Methods in Primary Health Care' course and to fulfil course requirements with regards to reading and activities and assignments.
  • Participate actively in as many training/education activities as possible, particularly the ones organised specially for them.
  • Investigate and proactively seek assistance, guidance and extra training when needed.
  • Communicate openly, honestly and courteously at all times with their supervisors and mentors.

Research Supervisors

Research supervision will be provided by experienced primary care researchers within each university department with occasional specialist assistance/guidance (for instance, from a biostatistician).

Research Supervisors’ obligations/accountabilities include:

  • Meet regularly with each Fellow or Scholar recommended weekly to fortnightly).
  • Develop a timeline together with each Fellow or Scholar to meet their stipulated research objectives.
  • Guide and feedback during the 13-week 'Introduction to Research Methods in Primary Health Care' course.
  • Guide and assist in drafting of research proposals, ethics applications, surveys, literature reviews, papers, etc.
  • Guide and supervise all conducts of the research to ensure adherence to research protocol and ethical requirements.
  • Communicate openly, honestly and courteously at all times with each Fellow or Scholar.

Mentors

Mentorship will be provided by the PHCRED Coordinator at partner university department and the VicPHCRED Statewide Coordinator.

Mentors' obligations/accountabilities include:

  • Meet regularly with Fellows and Scholars either individually (if applicable) or in group meetings with other Fellows and Scholars (recommended fortnightly to monthly).
  • Organise initial orientation of Fellows and Scholars of university resources (particularly library services).
  • Guide Fellows and Scholars during the 13-week 'Introduction to Research Methods in Primary Health Care' course.
  • Educate or organise training (if applicable) for Fellows and Scholars on the use of statistical package for data entry and analysis necessary.
  • Assist Fellows and Scholars to develop links (if applicable) with experienced researchers undertaking research in areas of National Health Priority.
  • Assist Fellows and Scholars to develop links (if applicable) to opportunities for involvement in relevant research underway within individual departments.
  • Inform Fellows and Scholars of (if applicable) funding and training opportunities offered.
  • Assist Fellows and Scholars to develop links (if applicable) to opportunities for training offered by individual departments.
  • Communicate openly, honestly and courteously at all times with Fellows and Scholars.

Where applicable, Mentors will also assist Fellows and Scholars to:

  • establish and maintain optimal supervision relationship with their research supervisors; and
  • develop links with relevant primary health care stakeholder organisations.