An innovative approach to facilitating nursing research

Area of Science:

• Nursing and Midwifery Research
• Clinical Research Engagement
• Healthcare Research Culture

Background:

• Clinical time constraints challenge the development of a research-active culture among nurses and midwives.
• Limited opportunities for clinical staff to participate in research hinder knowledge translation and evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To actively engage nurses and midwives within a National Health Service (NHS) trust in a collaborative, trust-wide research project.
• To overcome identified barriers and foster a more research-intensive environment for nursing and midwifery staff.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive needs assessment identified local obstacles to research participation.
• A nursing and midwifery research strategy was co-developed by clinical, research, and academic representatives.
• An infection control research project was initiated following staff consultation, supported by participatory workshops.

Main Results:

• Fifty nurses and midwives actively contributed to various stages of the research, including questionnaire design, data collection, and analysis.
• Initial findings were disseminated through nursing/midwifery forums and a newly established grand round.
• A total of 573 nursing and midwifery contacts were made throughout the research process, indicating broad engagement.

Conclusions:

• This facilitated approach successfully enabled a large number of clinical nursing and midwifery staff to gain practical experience in a 'live' research project.
• The initiative demonstrated a viable strategy for embedding research within clinical practice across an NHS trust.
• Enhanced staff involvement in research contributes to a more robust and active research culture within healthcare settings.