What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can we improve across system boundaries?​

“Research is the single most important way in which we improve our healthcare” ~ UK Department for Health & Social Care Policy Paper, 2021

The national ambition to create a world-leading UK clinical research environment calls for research delivery to be transcend system boundaries. Research is central to improving care through reducing inequalities, driving transformational change and improving outcomes for patients. Staff across all professions need to be empowered to lead, support or participate in clinical research as part of their roles, yet historically research is constrained to just a few clinical specialisms.

Over the last 6 months, we have systematically identified motivators and barriers to research across a number of professions within our large mental health trust. There is limited knowledge of how to transcend professional and system boundaries  to embed a culture of research and evidence, so we would like to co-produce and test an implementation plan to address this.

What does your project aim to achieve?

The main objective of the project is to work across system boundaries to increase research culture by embedding research more effectively into professional roles and subsequently benefit from the ‘research effect’.

For staff this research effect looks like:

• Reduced level of burnout  / emotional exhaustion
• Better morale and job satisfaction
• Building transferable skills and developing new networks.

Some of the improvements that will benefit clinicians will include;

• Using job planning and appraisal processes to embed research in management systems and processes.
• Improving access to training in research skills to build confidence and skill
• Boost staff retention and recruitment – Trusts can find it easier to recruit and retain high-quality clinical staff when they are able to offer opportunities to actively participate in research
• Identifying opportunities to integrate more research into healthcare delivery – including developing and encouraging staff to apply for funding for fellowships, grants and other funding to increase knowledge and learning.

How will the project be delivered?

The Research and Development department will support the project through the Associate Director of R&D and the R&D Project Officer who have been involved in the project since inception. However, it is vital for this to be lead and driven by clinicians and staff who work in the organisation. As such, this funding will provide time for non-R&D staff to support with the delivery of the project and its recommendations for change and build capacity and knowledge across the organisation. The selection of project staff will be based on skills and experience to fulfil the project remit. It is also essential that develop involvement strategies to benefit from the unique insights of our service users.

Full project and implementation plans will be formulated; including measures, which can be quantify and qualify progress and success of the project.

How is your project going to share learning?

Whilst this project will be conducted within AWP NHS Trust, the implications for embedding clinical research into underrepresented professions within healthcare could be generalised to the wider NHS. This would help fulfil wider ambitions to increase the efficacy and cost efficiency of health care through research. As part of the work, we will initiate (or contribute to existing) learning networks through established clinical communities of practice, sharing learning and resources widely.

Furthermore, we believe effective dissemination is a core requirement in achieving a system-wide approach. This project will prioritise the dissemination of findings within AWP and diverse wider audiences, including the Q Community. These modes of dissemination have yet to be finalised, but could include, accessible infographic posters, presentations, a webinar, an academic peer-reviewed publication, and a finalised short report presented to the Q Community.