Enablers and barriers to progressing a clinical academic career in nursing, midwifery and allied health professions: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study aimed to understand the routes by which nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) pursue and sustain a research career and the enablers and barriers to career progression.

Background: Robust evidence is central to practice and professional decision making of NMAHPs, with generation and translation of research arguably best led by those clinically active. Whilst countries like the UK and USA have fellowship schemes to support research career development, anecdotal reports suggest barriers exist in translating these opportunities into sustainable clinical academic careers.

Design: Online survey.

Methods: An online questionnaire addressing career choices, facilitators/barriers and support was emailed to 1074 past applicants (doctoral and post-doctoral) to National Institute of Health Research fellowship schemes (awarded and rejected) in England between March and May 2017; 231 responded (25.6%). Study reporting adheres to STROBE checklist.

Results: Overall, 134 doctoral and 96 post-doctoral applicants participated; two-thirds were from allied health professions. Most were early in their research career. Interest in research was most frequently sparked by interaction with people in research positions. Nearly half had their first research experience during their BSc project; though less often for nurses/midwives/health visitors (37.5%) than other NMAHPs (51.6%). The award of a fellowship resulted in higher likelihood of being research-active (doctoral level). Nearly three quarters pursuing a clinical academic career indicated 'clearer career paths' and 'greater integration across clinical and academic departments' were desirable. Most common barriers related to research roles, availability of positions and funding.

Conclusions: Fellowship schemes are important to NMAHPs' research careers, but there are serious challenges to establishing and sustaining a career.

Relevance to clinical practice: Lack of a clear model of career progression, at national and local level, and barriers to creating joint posts impacts on capacity of clinical academics to strengthen integration of research with practice.

Keywords: nursing research; nursing workforce; research in practice; survey; workforce issues.