Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the impact a novel education programme - to improve research engagement, awareness, understanding and confidence - had on a diverse health and social care workforce. Barriers and facilitators to engagement were explored together with research capacity-building opportunities and ways to embed a research culture. The programme is entitled ‘Supporting The Advancement of Research Skills’ (STARS programme); the paper reports findings from a health and social care setting in England, UK.
Methods
A four-level outcome framework guided the approach to evaluation and was further informed by key principles of research capacity development and relevant theory. Quantitative data were collected from learners before and after engagement; these were analysed descriptively. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with learners and analysed thematically. A purposive sample was achieved to include a diversity in age, gender, health and social care profession, and level of attendance (regular attendees, moderate attendees and non-attenders).
Results
The evaluation spanned 18 half-day workshops and 11 seminars delivered by expert educators. 165 (2% of total staff at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT)) staffs booked one or more education sessions; 128 (77%) including Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), psychologists, nursing and midwifery, and social workers attended one or more session. Key themes of engagement with teaching sessions, relevance and impact of training and promoting a research active environment were identified with relevant sub-themes. Positive impacts of training were described in terms of research confidence, intentions, career planning and application of research skills as a direct result of training. Lack of dedicated time for research engagement, work pressures and time commitments required for the programme were key barriers. Facilitators that facilitated engagement are also described.
Conclusions
Findings demonstrate the impact that a free, virtual and high-quality research education programme had at individual and organisational levels. The programme is the product of a successful collaboration between health and social care and academic organisations; this provides a useful framework for others to adapt and adopt. Key barriers to attendance and engagement spoke to system-wide challenges that an education programme could not address in the short-term. Potential solutions are discussed in relation to protecting staff time, achieving management buy-in, recognising research champions, and having a clear communication strategy.
Funder
CRN I&I strategic funding programme
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference38 articles.
1. Austin A. What does the new clinical research vision mean for NHS patients and health professionals? England.nhs.uk/blog. 2021. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/what-does-the-new-clinical-research-vision-mean-for-nhs-patients-and-health-professionals/#:~:text=Research%20is%20beneficial%20to%20people,faster%20returns%20to%20everyday%20life. Accessed 18 Feb 2022.
2. Policy paper. UK Govt. Saving and improving lives: the future of UK Clinical Research Delivery, United Kingdom. 2021. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-future-of-uk-clinical-research-delivery/saving-and-improving-lives-the-future-of-uk-clinical-research-delivery. Accessed Jan 2022.
3. National Health Service Making research matter: Chief Nursing Officer for England’s strategic plan for research. Available online at https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/B0880-cno-for-englands-strategic-plan-fo-research.pdf. 2021. Accessed 22 Apr 2022.
4. Royal College of Physicians. Delivering research for all: expectations and aspirations for the NHS in England (policy statement). Available at Delivering research for all: expectations and aspirations for the NHS in England | RCP London. 2019. Accessed 22 Apr 2022.
5. Barouki R, Kogevinas M, Audouze K, et al. The COVID-19 pandemic and global environmental change: emerging research needs. Environ Int. 2021;146: 106272.