Transforming the experience in nursing and midwifery research - Quarantine Research Time Program (QRTP)

Area of Science:

• Nursing and Midwifery Research
• Healthcare Innovation
• Clinical Practice Improvement

Background:

• Clinician engagement in research is linked to improved patient outcomes.
• Nurses and midwives require skills, support, and protected time for research.
• Lack of protected time is a significant barrier to clinical research for nurses and midwives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a structured program providing protected research time for nurses and midwives.
• To address barriers to research engagement in clinical settings.
• To foster a research culture among nursing and midwifery staff.

Main Methods:

• Co-design and implementation of a Quarantine Research Time Program (QRTP) with stakeholders.
• Program offered protected time (one day/fortnight for 3 months), senior management sponsorship, and academic supervision.
• Post-program follow-up ensured research progression and identified ongoing barriers.

Main Results:

• 85% of nominated nurses and midwives (41/48) completed the QRTP.
• 100% completed online training; 83% developed research protocols/ethics applications.
• 49% submitted manuscripts to journals; 12% enrolled in higher research degrees.

Conclusions:

• The QRTP successfully embedded research into nursing and midwifery practice.
• The program empowered staff and facilitated research development.
• The initiative aims to enhance clinical practice and patient experience through research integration.