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

When clinicians and healthcare organisations engage in research, patients have better outcomes. Nurses and midwives must have the skills, support, and autonomy to undertake research in the clinical setting. However, an ongoing barrier is a lack of protected time to undertake research training and develop a program of research.

In 2022, a structured Quarantine Research Time Program (QRTP) was co-designed with community representatives, nurses, midwives, researchers and administrators, and implemented across our local health district in Sydney. The program included sponsorship from senior management, academic supervision, as well as protected time for the participants to undergo the training and activities in research. The QRTP provides participants with protected time (one day every fortnight over 3 months) to undertake research that aligns with their department's priorities. Follow-up meetings with the participants occur post-program at 1 month, then every quarter to ensure the research project is progressing, including the identification of ongoing barriers.

Since its inception in May 2022 to December 2024, there have been 48 nurses and midwives nominated to the QRTP, with seven of them unable to complete the 6-day program due to personal reasons. Forty-one participants (85%) were released from their clinical location and completed the QRTP. Key research metrics were defined and reported for the 41 participants who completed: All participants (100%) completed the structured online training and assessment; 34 participants (83%) completed a research protocol and ethics application; 20 (49%) manuscripts prepared and submitted to peer-review journals for consideration for publication; 5 participants (12%) have enrolled in a Higher Degree in Research.

The QRTP was developed to meet organisational goals and to imbed a research cultural among nurses and midwives. The QRTP aims to empower staff while bringing research to every nurse and midwife, with the goal of changing practice and enhancing patient experience.