Health Care Program Boosts Research Skills in NHS Trust Staff

An evaluation of the iCAhRE (Interdisciplinary Clinical Academic health Research Excellence) program has confirmed its lasting positive impact on health care professionals at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust. The initiative aims to enhance knowledge of research among staff, enabling them to apply this knowledge to improve patient care.

Launched in collaboration with Coventry University, the iCAhRE program has led to participants securing research grants totaling £3.2 million and producing over 230 publications. The study, spearheaded by Dr. Eleanor Lutman-White from Coventry University’s Research Center for Healthcare and Communities, alongside Professor Joan Coad from the University of Nottingham, highlights significant advancements in research skills and knowledge among participants.

The findings indicate that the program not only boosts research capabilities but also informs and transforms clinical practice. It enhances staff confidence, increases engagement in research-related activities, and supports career progression.

Dr. Lutman-White emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Scientists form the majority of the clinical workforce providing care to patients but have fewer opportunities to engage in research compared to medical staff.” She noted that this evaluation underscores the necessity of fostering research knowledge and skills among these essential health care professionals.

Commitment to Research Culture

Part of UHCW’s broader Research for All strategy, the iCAhRE program reflects the Trust’s commitment to establishing a culture of research across all health care professions. The ultimate goal is to enhance patient care and outcomes through improved research engagement.

Nicolas Aldridge, Head of Research Delivery and Impact at UHCW, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s reception. “We receive very positive feedback on the iCAhRE program from our staff, many of whom go on to build research careers. It is great to see this backed up by a formal evaluation.” Currently, cohort nine of the iCAhRE Bronze program is underway, with 59 staff members gaining Master’s modules in research methodology and real-world clinical research experiences.

The study detailing these findings is published in the journal BMC Medical Education. This evaluation not only serves to validate the program’s impact but also reinforces the necessity of equipping health care professionals with the tools they need to excel in research, ultimately benefiting patient care nationwide.