Occupational Therapy News OTnews November 2019 | Page 37

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT experienced professionals interested in starting research for the first time. The NIHR Research Career Pathways provide support for people at every stage of that journey, including pre-doctoral, doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship awards. Health Education England (HEE) complements these with a pre-masters internship and pre- and post-doctoral bridging schemes. These bridging schemes give space to explore research ideas and apply for further funding and support. The details of the pathways, qualifying criteria and tips for applications are all available on the NIHR’s dedicated website (NIHR 2019). Support is also available through the Council for Allied Health Professionals Research (CAHPR), which has 23 regional hubs with research champions volunteering their time and expertise. Dr Jennifer Wenborn, occupational therapist and AHP research champion, explained her role in promoting a cross-professional support network, helping deliver activities to build research capacity and capability at local and national levels for all allied shown me the richness and alternative possibilities open to me as an occupational therapist. This workshop inspired me to advocate passionately for support to attend the RCOT conference and there I gained even more inspiration and encouragement to pursue my budding research interests. The next steps for me include structuring and honing my previously random literature searches, developing a research interest group at work and pushing myself to step out of my usual experiences and into exciting new ones. My developing interests led me to the clinical academic model; the flexibility and inclusivity of the pathway combined with the generosity and enthusiasm of those already in these positions cements that passion. I would like to take this chance to thank RCOT and NIHR for organising this invaluable free event, to the speakers and organisers who gave so freely of their time and experience, and to my fellow attendees for being prepared to share their thoughts in health professionals. A highlight of the day was a session delivered by Cathy Brewin, an occupational therapy PhD student at Nottingham University, sharing her experience of successfully applying for the Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship with the NIHR. She was able to highlight the range of skills, knowledge and experience she drew upon to evidence her clinical and research leadership. The variety of routes into a research career was a key theme throughout the day and the range of research opportunities experienced by those present highlighted how wide the possibilities can be. The day was not all about being provided with information, and we also had our share of work to do. Gathering in smaller focus groups, we were provided a space to discuss our hopes, dreams and – yes – our research ideas. Those of us with less experience received invaluable advice related both to the research questions we had generated and how best to proceed with them. Plans from the group were as diverse as: join the trust library; invite the research and development team to multidisciplinary team meetings; find a local research design service; contribute to the RCOT research priorities review; and write an article for OTnews. On a personal level, this workshop came at a hugely opportune time for me. Since re-evaluating my professional focus over the last year, I have been lucky enough to meet many inspirational and generous occupational therapists who were willing to share their insight and experience. In the midst of my reflections, the four pillars of the RCOT Career Development Framework (RCOT 2017) have had a growing resonance. My expectation was that 10 years developing a strong professional practice pillar would lead me to an advanced clinical practitioner type role. However, exploring the opportunities and resources within the evidence, research and development and leadership pillars has the spirit of the day. The organisers of the workshop will be following up on our progress next year; it will be fascinating to see how many practical ideas, research projects and career relaunches will be able to trace their origins to this event. References Department of Health and Social Care (2015) The NHS Constitution for England. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs- constitution-for-england [accessed: 30 July 2019] Downing A, Morris EJ, Corrigan N, et al(2017) High hospital research participation and improved colorectal cancer survival outcomes: a population-based study. Gut 66: 89-96. Jonker L, Fisher SJ, Dagnan D (2019) Patients admitted to more research‐active hospitals have more confidence in staff and are better informed about their condition and medication: Results from a retrospective cross‐sectional study. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice [online] 19; 1– 6. Available at: doi: 10.1111/jep.13118 [accessed 30 July 2019] Harding K, Lynch L, Porter J, Taylor NF, Nicholas F (2016) Organisational benefits of a strong research culture in a health service: a systematic review. Australian Health Review 41, 45-53. National Institute of Health Research (2019) HEE-NIHR Integrated Clinical Academic Programme Available at: www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/ academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-academic- programme.htm [accessed 30 July 2019] NHS England (2019) NHS Long-Term Plan. Available at: https://bit. ly/32uPN2G [accessed 30 July 2019] Royal College of Occupational Therapists (2017) The Career Development Framework: Guiding Principles for Occupational Therapy. Available at: www.rcot.co.uk/cpd-rcot [accessed 30 July 2019] Kate Tudor, care coordinator and occupational therapist, Worcestershire Early Intervention in Psychosis service, email: [email protected] OTnews November 2019 37