Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2019_Joomag | Seite 48

FEATURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Finding a supportive
environment to thrive as
a researcher
For Marnie Smith, engaging in research is a non-negotiable part of her personal
and professional life. She explains how peer support and networks have helped
her overcome some of the challenges that throws up, to have a much clearer
research plan for the future
T
rying to incorporate research into my life is
a continuous challenge; there are always
other tasks that seem to have more pressing
deadlines and eat into the time that I have
put aside in my diary.
However, not engaging in research, or leaving
it to others, is not an option, for both my personal
development and that of the profession, not to mention
it being part of the job description. To this end, seeking
out the support networks to inspire, share ideas and
guide me has been an essential part of my journey
into incorporating research into my role, but this could
equally be true for others working, whether that be in
education or practice.
I have found this support by attending the
Participation In Everyday Life (PIEL) Research
Group meetings under the auspices of
the Institute of Health and Community
(IHC) at the University of Plymouth.
What is PIEL?
The research group is open to all
professions who have an interest
in the impact of participation
in everyday life and how this
impacts on health and wellbeing.
The majority of the attendees
are occupational therapists,
but the group also includes
physiotherapists.
48 OTnews February 2019
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