Occupational Therapy News OTnews November 2019 | Page 45

Engage in and with research Research plays a vital role in ensuring that we deliver safe, effective and evidence-based interventions that are of benefit to the people we work with. At the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) we aim to empower our members to engage in and with research throughout their careers, from searching for the latest evidence or initiating service improvement projects, through to leading a study or taking on an advanced research-related role. No matter where you work or what stage of your career you are at, you can engage in and with research at some level. As a member, you’ll have access to a vast array of resources and information, including: • RCOT Library information skills sheets on a variety of topics, including literature searching and using databases. • research guides on subjects such as ‘research governance and ethics' and 'recruiting RCOT members as research participants’. • a growing portfolio of evidence-informed and research skills-related CPD resources and opportunities aligned to the Career Development Framework. • R&D@RCOT, your fortnightly email bulletin highlighting research news and opportunities. You can also apply for a range of annual funding awards, including: • the RCOT Awards for Learning, Development and Research; providing funding for service development, innovation and small research projects. • the RCOT Research Foundation (formerly UKOTRF) grants for doctoral, early postdoctoral and established researchers. We will also periodically offer research-related events, workshops and engagement activities. Engaging in and with research will help you to: • develop, evaluate and use the profession’s evidence base; as outlined in the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. • use national guidelines, research and other evidence to underpin and inform your practice; as specified within the RCOT Professional Standards for Occupational Therapy Practice. • expand your knowledge and skills pertinent to the Evidence, Research and Development Pillar of Practice of the Career Development Framework. For more information, please visit www.rcot.co.uk/researchresources or contact Pauline McDonald at [email protected] The Royal College of Occupational Therapists Ltd is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 275119) and in Scotland (No. SCO39573) and a company registered in England (No. 1347374)