Occupational Therapy News OTnews October 2018 | Page 42

FEATURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
the evidence base has a strong potential to demonstrate
the difference occupational therapy makes to everyday
living.
Do not be afraid to be part of other peoples’ research,
to be a participant in studies that relates to you and your
area of work. Researchers cannot conduct their research
without participants.
Other participants said: ‘For me it’s about staying
connected to the service users, and their struggles,
ambitions, priorities’ (@JenniferMcAnuff). And @andy83g
tweeted: ‘If you have a passion for a certain patient group
or intervention within OT then go for it, the desire to add
to the evidence… make a difference to people’s lives will
keep you on the right track.’
There is also an element of ‘being in the right place, at
the right time’. Being opportunistic, having conversations
and following people or organisations on twitter are
just some top tips for seeking a research career (see
opposite).
Working in research is a viable option. It may not be
an easy route, but with determination, grit and constant
reminders that you are doing it for your patients, you can
make it happen.
References
Hocking M, Warren A, Bannigan K (2017) CPD with a twist: The
ROTTERS curry club .
OTnews 25(2): 46-47
NIHR (2018) ICA HEE/NIHR