Title : A new non-medical Clinical Academic role informed by clinicians ’ views and perceived barriers to research : exploratory study for service development .
Dr Alison Aries
Introduction : Research is a core component of the Royal Wolverhampton Trust ( RWT ) culture . There is an awareness that it takes 17 years for research to be implemented into practice ( Grant 2000 ). A relatively new initiative to facilitate implementation of research is the development of non-medical Clinical Academic posts , contributing to a research-rich environment ( Wootton , 2016 ) driving evidence-based practice ( DOH , 2012 ). Building upon a local survey undertaken to establish enablers , barriers and general attitudes towards research , clinicians ’ views and perceived barriers to research were explored to inform a new non-medical Clinical Academic role in the Trust .
Methods : Design : Exploratory study of clinicians ’ opinions . Sample : Allied Health Professionals ( any grade ), involved in neurological rehabilitation within the RWT . Focus groups were undertaken , audiotaped , transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis following the six stages described by Braun and Clarke ( 2006 ).
Results : Three focus groups ( n = 6 , n = 11 and n = 9 ) were undertaken October – November 2019 , enabling approximately 65 % of neurological rehabilitation therapists ( n = 26 ) to express their opinions . Analysis of qualitative data confirms that clinicians are interested in undertaking research ; however , significant barriers exist including resources ( time , lack of access to relevant papers ), lack of knowledge of the research process ( ethics , consent ), how to search for and critique literature ( particularly statistics elements ), and information technology skills . Suggestions were using journal clubs and critical appraised topic groups , as well as training , to facilitate knowledge .
Conclusions : Engagement of clinicians in the focus groups was good . Useful information was gained to inform the new non-medical Clinical Academic role in the Trust . Journal clubs , critical appraised topic groups and a bespoke training plan will be facilitated / developed as vehicles to drive learning and enhance staff knowledge , aiming to expedite neurological research and evidence-based practice in the Trust .
Impact : The planned initiatives to facilitate staff knowledge base , neurological research and evidencebased practice within the RWT have the potential to improve staff confidence relating to research and , more importantly , enhance care for neurological patients within the RWT .