Encouraging NMAHPs to Engage in Research
At National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC), we are committed to building capacity and capability in the careers of Nurses, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHPs). By fostering research opportunities, we aim to support their professional development, enhance staff retention, and, crucially, improve patient outcomes. To achieve this, we implemented a comprehensive five-year plan that includes tailored academic career pathways for NMAHPs.
The Role of the Biomedical Research Centre in NMAHP Career Development
Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) play a vital role in supporting NMAHPs to gain research experience. These centres are collaborations between NHS Trusts and Universities that provide the infrastructure necessary for conducting experimental medicine studies. This collaboration drives innovation, develops new treatments, diagnostics, and medical technologies, and ultimately benefits patients and the public.
The OH BRC, a partnership between the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, alongside 13 external partners, has a long-term vision of creating a national network of centres focused on brain health research. Through this initiative, we aim to foster innovation and improve the lives of people and patients across the UK.
The Importance of Research Engagement for NMAHPs
Research engagement is not only beneficial for individual career development but also contributes to broader institutional and patient-focused outcomes. Evidence shows that when NMAHPs engage in research, it leads to:
- Staff retention: Research involvement provides a stimulating and rewarding environment, fostering professional satisfaction and long-term commitment.
- Career development: Research enables NMAHPs to expand their skill set, explore new opportunities, and establish themselves as leaders in their fields.
- Better patient outcomes: Research-driven practice is key to developing new treatments, diagnostics, and care techniques that directly benefit patient care and overall health.
Our Five-Year Strategy: Developing Clinical Academic Pathways
Our OH BRC Academic Career Development Strategy outlines a clear path to support NMAHPs in pursuing research careers. Over the next five years, we aim to:
- Develop clinical academic training pathways for NMAHPs, providing structured opportunities for professional growth.
- Address barriers identified in a 2023 scoping exercise that highlighted challenges NMAHPs face when pursuing research, such as time constraints, lack of mentorship, and access to funding.
- Create opportunities for NMAHPs to engage in meaningful research, with an emphasis on providing mentorship and financial support to pursue research degrees and fellowships.
This strategy is being led in collaboration with Oxford Brookes University, ensuring that it is both relevant and aligned with the needs of those it serves.
Research Themes with Opportunities for NMAHPs
NMAHPs have the chance to contribute to and gain experience in research across OH BRC Themes.
By involving NMAHPs in these diverse areas of research, we not only enhance their careers but also make progress towards improving clinical practice and patient care.
Recent NMAHP-Supported Activities and Future Opportunities
We have already seen progress in supporting NMAHPs through the following initiatives:
- We were successful in receiving funding to host an NIHR Connect & Grow, Networking & Collaboration Event in January 2024 . All OH BRC partners sent representatives to discuss the barriers and enablers for NMAHP academic career progression. The keynote speakers were Professor Ruth Endacott, NIHR Director of Nursing and Midwifery and Dr Fiona Maxton, Research Lead- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Policy and Strategy Unit, Nursing Directorate, NHS England.
- South Central INSIGHT Masters Programme (SCIP): One place has been fully funded for an NMAHP from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to pursue a part-time Research Masters, starting in September 2024. We encourage NMAHPs to apply for the next intake in autumn 2025.
- Research secondment in the Dementia Theme: From October 2024, we are funding a one-year pre-doctoral secondment for an NMAHP to undertake a project at the Brain Health Clinic within the Dementia theme.
These initiatives are just the beginning. We remain dedicated to expanding research opportunities for NMAHPs and look forward to supporting more professionals in their academic careers in the years to come.