Research

Ready, Steady, Research!

Research led by nurses is crucial in the effective development of evidence-based nursing.

Their involvement in research however is restricted, due to time pressures and limited resource post-registration. With many nurses finding it difficult to put time aside to train in research, it is important we access their learning pre-registration when development is encouraged, and time pressures are reduced.

The Research Activities Programme for Mental Health Nursing Students developed by the Research team at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is bridging the gap between nurses’ theoretical knowledge of research obtained from university to embedding research into nursing practice. This is accomplished by embedding research activities into student nurses’ clinical placements. These activities can include training in aspects such as Good Clinical Practice, learning about the different research in their trust, shadowing researchers in baseline/follow-up visits, and attending various research meetings to build their knowledge of NHS research. This also counts towards their clinical hours and is a unique developmental opportunity.

The opportunities to grow this approach across other Mental health trusts and universities are significant, with the National institute for Health Research and NHS England all enthusing about the opportunities this programme offers for building research capacity in the NHS.

Additionally, by expanding this opportunity to other trusts and organisations, it invites people who access services to engage and gain a greater knowledge of current research open to them, enabling them to contribute and take part in the design and delivery of services.

Download the power point presentation, (.pdf) it showcases the range of work being delivered across Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Do you want to share information about research you are leading on or that your organisation is pioneering? If so, and you would like to feature this on the website, please get in touch using the ‘contact us’ button at the top of the page.