Understanding research engagement among allied health professionals working in UK emergency departments: a...

The allied health professional (AHP) community has pledged a commitment to research and innovation. Recent literature from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres has explored research capacity and capability among AHPs but lacks specific clinical contexts which could have a direct impact on research activity. Emergency departments (EDs) present a unique environment for conducting research. The aim of this study was to explore current research engagement among AHPs working in the UK EDs and identify facilitators to support and maintain research activity among this workforce.

A qualitative approach was used, involving online focus groups conducted between September 2023 and January 2024. Participants were identified through national voluntary response sampling via social media and existing emergency medicine networks. Purposive sampling was subsequently undertaken to improve profession-specific representation. All participants were currently employed as AHPs working clinically within UK EDs. Those employed in research roles were excluded. Data were analysed through thematic analysis.

74 individuals expressed interest, of whom 60 were deemed eligible and invited to participate. 32 consented and 28 attended one of seven focus groups. Data for two participants subsequently identified as imposters were excluded. Professions represented were paramedics, radiographers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Three major themes emerged: 'building confidence', 'unrealised potential' and 'collaboration is key'. AHPs lacked confidence to engage in research, with limited visibility of AHPs in academic roles, professional silos and hierarchies cited among professional barriers. Additional specialty barriers included time pressures, performance metrics and protocolised pathways. However, all participants recognised the benefits of engaging in research, and several facilitators were identified, including recent evolutions in AHP roles, a diverse skill set across AHPs and the multidisciplinary nature of ED.

AHPs have potential to improve emergency care through research endeavours but greater value needs to be attributed before any significant growth in research culture is likely realised.