FEATURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Introducing the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations
NIHR ‘ ARCs ’ exist to generate health and care research that benefits local communities . Hear how occupational therapists could benefit from getting involved
The National Institute for Health Research ( NIHR ) is the largest funder of health and care research in England and invests in the people , centres of excellence , collaborations , services , and facilities to support health and care research .
Formed in 2019 as part of a £ 135 million government investment in health research , the 15 regional NIHR Applied Research Collaborations ( ARCs ) work in partnership to deliver research that aims to address the immediate issues facing the health and social care system .
The ARCs work with NHS providers , universities , charities , local authorities , Academic Health Science Networks ( AHSNs ) and other health and care organisations to undertake applied health research to improve practice and increase the rate at which research findings are implemented into practice .
The ARCs lead , and work together in collaboration , on a range of priority research areas , including implementation science , person-centred complex care , long-term conditions and multimorbidity , ageing and frailty .
If you have a specific area of professional interest the chances are that there is applied health research happening on that topic right now .
Raising research awareness You do not have to be a ‘ researcher ’ to get interested or involved in research . There are many ways the ARCs work with professionals , organisations and the public to make research accessible and inclusive .
The first step on this journey is always about finding out what research is out there and discovering how it relates to your practice or area of interest . The national ARC website is a great place to start and this will direct you to research happening both locally and in each priority area .
After a quick search , you will find that research is being conducted to reflect and address the needs most important to local communities in your area of interest . As Dr Louise Wood , director of science , research and evidence , Department of Health and Social Care , recently described at an ARC showcase event , the emphasis is to : ‘ Ensure [ that ] research is conducted with the communities that are most likely to be impacted by the findings .’
The network of regional research collaborations allows you to quickly tap into knowledge , resources and insights from experts and pioneering research studies relevant to you and the patients you work with .
In addition to the national website , 15 regional websites provide more detailed local information from each ARC on their leadership areas , current research studies , published findings , the impact and implementation of research and the involvement of patients and the public in the work .
The websites are updated frequently , so also keep an eye on Twitter (@ NIHRARCs ) for the latest news and developments in applied health research .
Finally , the monthly national ARC email newsletter is a great place to read the latest news , blogs and events from the ARC network .
Anthony Gilbert [ right ], is conducting research into the role of video consultations with NIHR ARC North Thames
Events , training and networking If you find an area of research , a relevant study or a research active colleague of interest , you may be ready
54 OTnews May 2021