RCOT welcomes publication of AHP Research and Innovation Strategy for Northern Ireland
The Department of Health recently launched the Allied Health Professions ’ Research and Innovation Strategy for Northern Ireland . It was developed to support specialist research and professional development for AHPs in the relevant framework of the HSC in Northern Ireland .
This strategy – the first of its kind in Northern Ireland – will provide support for development opportunities and careers in research and leadership roles for all AHPs . It will help AHPs at all stages of their careers to engage in research , helping to break down barriers to research activity and build a stronger research culture .
Kate Lesslar , RCOT Professional Practice Lead – Northern Ireland said : ‘ This is very good news for OTs in Northern Ireland , as this is the first strategy for AHPs here to set the future direction for AHP research , development and innovation .’
The strategy aims to drive transformative change for AHP research and innovation in Northern Ireland , specifically for enhanced visibility , reputation and influence , and impact on services .
Kate added : ‘ These are key markers as we face a health crisis across the UK , with Northern Ireland being no exception . The goals to increase active engagement across the wider AHP workforce and building more opportunities for research career routes will greatly improve the quality of service that occupational therapists and other AHPs across Northern Ireland can offer .’
The strategic vision puts forward three vital strands to transform the research landscape for AHPs :
• Transformation of AHP professional identities , culture , and roles .
• Delivery of excellence in evidence based allied health practice .
• Northern Ireland strategic research agendas and priorities are explicitly inclusive of allied health research and innovation .
‘ RCOT members in Northern Ireland have been involved in the development of the strategy and we welcome these strategic priorities for occupational therapists and other AHPs ,’ Kate concluded .
‘ We hope that this will lead to improved opportunities and support for occupational therapists and other AHPs , including access to investment and infrastructure to engage in research activities , as well as parity with other health professionals .’
Dr Gillian Ward , RCOT Research and Development Manager added : ‘ Research and
innovation are key to ensuring safe evidencebased practice and I ’ m delighted to see publication of this strategy to support our members in Northern Ireland with the development of research opportunities and careers in research delivery and research leadership roles .’
The strategy is aligned to and compliments the co-produced AHP Research and Innovation strategy for England launched a year ago , which sets out four domains that are inter-dependent and equally important to achieve transformational impact and sustainable change :
• Capacity and engagement of the AHP workforce community , to implement research into practice .
• Capability for individuals to undertake and achieve excellence in research and innovation activities , roles , careers and leadership .
• Context for AHPs to have equitable access to sustainable support , infrastructures and investment .
• Culture for AHP perceptions and expectations of professional identities and roles that ‘ research is everybody ’ s business ’.
To read the strategy visit www . health-ni . gov . uk / publications / ahp-research-and-innovationstrategy-northern-ireland .
14 OTnews February 2023