UK Palliative trainees Research Collaborative (UK-PRC): the first 5 years - 0-100 study sites.

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Research
• Medical Education
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Palliative care research is hampered by underfunding and a dispersed workforce, limiting large-scale studies.
• The UK Palliative trainees Research Collaborative (UKPRC) was established in 2016 as the first national trainee-led research collaborative in palliative care.
• This review critically examines the UKPRC's progress, challenges, and facilitators since its inception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress and potential of the UK Palliative trainees Research Collaborative (UKPRC).
• To identify key challenges and facilitators for trainee-led multisite research in palliative care.
• To assess the UKPRC's role in fostering a research culture within a limited resource specialty.

Main Methods:

• A reflective approach was used by the UKPRC steering committee members.
• Existing evidence on trainee-led research collaboratives was reviewed.
• The review considered the UKPRC's structure, representation, projects, facilitators, and challenges.

Main Results:

• The UKPRC has national representation across 16/19 UK training regions.
• Four national projects have been completed, including an audit of 119 sites.
• Facilitators include inclusivity, national representation, consultant support, and pragmatic project selection. Challenges involve transitioning to multisite patient-facing research and member turnover.

Conclusions:

• The trainee-led collaborative model shows potential for large-scale data collection to change practice in palliative care.
• Collaboration is crucial for research in resource-limited specialties.
• The UKPRC serves as 'proof of concept' for sustaining research within palliative care.