Research Australia Opinion Polling 2017

Research Australia’s 2017 public opinion poll examined public priorities for government, responsibility for funding health and medical research, support for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), understanding of research translation, embedding research in the health system, use of health data and biobanked samples, clinical trial participation, drug development timelines and costs, and awareness of My Health Record. Roy Morgan Research surveyed 1,011 Australians aged 18 and over from its proprietary online panel between 3 and 10 May 2017 (response rate 9.0%), with results weighted by age, sex and area and a maximum sampling tolerance of ±3.0%. Improving hospitals and healthcare remained the top priority, and 86% agreed that adequate government funding of research is very important. Only 56% correctly identified the meaning of research translation, while 84% believed health professionals who also undertake research provide the best care. Support for researchers’ use of medical records reached 93%, with 7% opposed, and researchers were trusted with personal health information almost as much as treating clinicians. Some 56% would definitely or probably join a clinical trial if they needed treatment, 38% would need more information and 4% would refuse. Only 53% estimated drug development time within the 10 to 15 year range. Awareness of My Health Record was 59%, and 24% had created one.