Professionals in-place: the role of the practice-based research coordinator

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Health Services Research
• Collaborative Research

Background:

• A large, inter-organizational research project involved a university and an English NHS trust.
• Project success depended on establishing strong partnerships over three years.
• Challenges in cross-organizational work led to the creation of a new nursing role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and explain the in-place research coordinator (IPRC) role.
• To provide examples of the IPRC's application in a research setting.

Main Methods:

• Creation of a dedicated nursing role: the in-place research coordinator (IPRC).
• Integration of the IPRC within the NHS trust to leverage organizational insights.
• Application of the IPRC's professional knowledge and connections within the research.

Main Results:

• The IPRC provided valuable organizational insights to the research team.
• The IPRC gained research experience by applying existing skills.
• The IPRC role was crucial for enabling inter-organizational research to proceed.

Conclusions:

• The IPRC demonstrated measurable efficacy and impact in facilitating collaborative research.
• Future inter-organizational research should incorporate an IPRC role.
• Dedicated budgeting and recruitment from practice are recommended for the IPRC position.