Research skill needs and research environment of allied health faculty: Implications for continuing education

Faculty members in academic allied health units have less scholarly output than educators from other fields. Administrators, especially those in major research institutions, are searching for ways to improve research records of their faculty. A survey was conducted to identify the research skill needs and characteristics of the research environment of four allied health programs traditionally housed in baccalaureate degree programs. Questionnaires were received from 1028 physical therapy, dietetics, medical technology, and occupational therapy educators. Most educators indicated a lack of sufficient skills in grantsmanship, obtaining funding, and statistical analysis of data. Many faculty also needed help to develop research designs, write proposals, identify research problems, collect data, and write papers for publication. Wide variability was observed in research environments. A majority of faculty reported having a personal interest in research and recognized its importance for academic advancement. Less than one‐fourth of respondents said they had financial and administrative support for research, and many felt uncertain about the relative importance of research versus teaching and service. Creative continuing education opportunities are needed to better prepare faculty for independent research.