Our Pathway To A Successful Non-Medical Research Strategy - A Culture Shift Five Years On: Research Innovation: From Ideas to Impact

Background: There is increasing evidence that research-active healthcare provider organisations provide better quality care, increased treatment options and improved clinical outcomes.
Purpose: Delivering evidence based clinical care and a high academic profile was identified as a key strategic objective at a tertiary orthopaedic hospital in the UK.
Methods: In 2013 the organisation appointed a Director of Therapies and a Consultant physiotherapist with protected time to develop a therapies research strategy. Focus groups were held across the directorate (140 staff across all pay bands and grades including non-professional staff) to identify current research activity, barriers and enablers to developing a research active department. Data were analysed thematically and findings used to inform a five year research strategy.
Results: Five key actions were identified: 1) Identifying research programmes in clinical teams. 2) Research as a key team objective 3) Provide appropriate research training and education 4) Identify talent and research champions 5) Develop external collaborations with appropriate academic and commercial partners.
In 2014, a commercial grant was successful and a therapies research co-ordinator was appointed to support staff training and research processes. In 2016 a 2 year grant received from the hospital charity supported this ongoing role along-side funding with a higher education institute to provide methodological support, writing skills and grant applications.
To date this has resulted in six peer reviewed articles and further external funding. Novice researchers have been supported resulting in a NIHR PhD fellowship and two NIHR internships to build capability. Clinical teams have identified research programs to maximise resources and time. 41% of registered projects were submitted to national/international scientific conferences compared to only 16% in 2014.
Conclusion(s): The key to a successful research strategy in a clinical setting requires clear strategic support, leadership, talent spotting and training. However dedicated resources and investment is required for delivery of projects to publications.