Models of AHP engagement in research Rebecca Palmer

 Involvement in clinically relevant research questions  Involvement in study design & grant applications  Identification of suitable patients for studies  Recruitment to studies  Providing interventions under study  Data collection/outcome measures  Dissemination of results  Implementation of research evidence

◦ Trent Stroke Research Network database of AHPs and nurses interested in being involved in research ◦ Match skills and availability to upcoming stroke rehab studies on NIHR portfolio (large multicentre studies)

 Communication & Low Mood study (S. Thomas, Nottingham) ◦ SLTs identified suitable patients from own caseload ◦ Time: carried out in hospital and community as part of everyday work  Training Care Givers after Stroke study (A. Forster, Bradford) ◦ Identification, recruitment and baseline assessment of patients and carers ◦ PT seconded one day per week for 12 months; SLT extension to contract one day a week for 6 months Funding: TRACS study

 Long term unmet needs post stroke (A. Forster, Bradford)  Identification, recruitment and baseline measures  SLT one day per week for 6 months; OT – 4 hours per week for 6 months  Extensions to contracts  Funded by SRN/CLRN

BenefitsBarriers  Good way of getting a ‘taste’ for research, working on existing projects  Good application of research skills learned on Master’s courses  CPD opportunity  Extended contracts don’t take away from clinical responsibilities  Usually small amounts of time, temporary secondments/contract extensions  Not sufficient for developing and running own piece of research?  Difficulty to backfill secondments?

More sustainable models?? Combining clinical and research monies

◦ Norwich - working on physio research projects is part of a clinical band 5 physio rotation post. ◦ 8 months research for 2.5 days a week ◦ Professor of rehabilitation research budget funds 1WTE band 5, NHS trust funds 1 WTE band 5

 Combining clinical and research monies to provide joint posts ◦ Precedent set in medicine ◦ Sheffield – 4 days adult community SLT team + 1 day CACTUS project (band 6) ◦ Senior clinical lectureship – joint clinical-research funded post

BenefitsBarriers  Allows for research/academic work at any stage of clinical academic career  Clinically relevant research/implementation  Can be long term/even mix of duties  sustainability  Identifying funding sources  Building relationships between academic and health care/education partners

 Could any of these models work for your service? ◦ Secondments ◦ Extension to part time contracts ◦ Research as term in rotation posts ◦ Joint clinical-research posts  What do you need in order to operate these models & who can you ask to help? funding Staff training advice Research networks Research design service