Stakeholders' perceptions of a research capacity development project for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate stakeholders perceptions of the extent to which a research facilitator post was addressing aims of: * providing academic support to enable research involvement of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals; * supporting dissemination of research into practice; * contributing to research strategy development.

Background: Barriers to research capacity development have been recognized for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. A project established in a London NHS trust aimed to address these.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used.

Results: Responses were generally very positive. The post effected improvements in the research culture and perceived increase in research-related activities.

Conclusion: The post made substantial progress towards its aims. This approach may be useful in other healthcare locations to build research capacity.

Implications for nursing management: Challenged by increasing priority accorded to research capacity and service research implementation yet recognition of barriers to achievement, this study offers insights from one means to address this.