RCN R&D Refresh Project

Research Assistant (1.0 WTE pro rata for 3 months)

The research assistant will undertake the data collection, analysis and presentation of results of work outlined below. They report to the project manager (Jenny Gordon), advised and supported by the assistant project manager (Dave O’Carroll), the Project Board and the members of the RCN Research & Development Governance Group.

The final set of review questions will be established in partnership with the organisation and an expert group convened by the RCN, but top level objectives are:

• What are the ways in which nurses’ access, share and use knowledge?
• What is known about ‘what works in knowledge brokering’ from the literature?  ‘Impact’ question.  Identify effective approaches outside of  clinical nursing context, drawing on innovation/research/education/quality improvement literature
• Where is further research needed?  Identify gaps in evidence and evaluation
• What are the implications for nursing R&D activity?  Align findings with appraisal of business model data.

Tasks

1. Systematic needs analysis through desk research that provides clarity about:
   • Members (and potential members) knowledge needs/demands
   • Knowledge sources
   • RCN assets and opportunities
   • RCN capability to build, assure, share and equip members to use knowledge
2. Set of  evidence based information briefs about:
   • Understanding and scope of ‘Research, Innovation, Quality Improvement’ activity in UK
   • Horizon scanning and opportunities for R&D in nursing
   • Library and archive services
   • Learning and development of activists and representatives
   • Research policy and sharing practice
   • gaps and areas of best ‘knowledge brokering’ practice
   • identify current national and local R&D Strategies

Reviewing knowledge

Using thematic analysis, the RA will review and theme the data gathered, structuring analysis through four focus areas (Build knowledge, Assure knowledge, Share knowledge, Use knowledge). It is expected that these focus areas will provide the structure for and underpin the refreshed strategy and action plan. The completed analysis will form the foundation of the R&D Refresh and action plan development in combination with:

• Data from stakeholder engagement through the first of 2 workshops and via email consultation to gather research, innovation, quality improvement and education data from people with an expertise in these areas.
• Interviews with regional and country directors will give additional RCN perspectives.
• Data from stakeholders engaged with the previous strategy has already been collated, and this will also be used to inform the development of the refresh
• Further stakeholder engagement, in the form of a modified email Delphi, will define the objectives for each focus area
• The 2nd workshop will be used to define the desired outcomes of the strategic refresh and action plan, and the ways in which they will be evaluated (success criteria)
• Key ‘challenges’ i.e. factors that might impact on our ability to meet our objectives will be identified using a modified email Delphi technique.
  

Timescales

• R&D Refresh Project approved (Dec 2012)
• Project Budget Approved (16 Jan 2013)
• First expert group workshop (16 Jan 2013)
• Protocol agreed (01 Feb 2013)
• Searching and data extraction (Feb - end Mar 2013)
• Second expert group workshop (03 Apr 2013)
• Key findings/progress report (mid Apr 2013)
• Draft strategy and Action Plan for review (end Apr 2013)
• Final report and strategy launch (end May 2013)

Budget

A budget of £15,000 has been allocated for the RA, to search and identification of literature, data extraction and appraisal, needs analysis reporting.

Expressions of interest

Expression of interest outlining how organisations can meet the requirements set out above should be sent to Dave O'Carroll, david.ocarroll@rcn.org.uk by Friday 25 January 2013. If you would like to discuss this proposal in more detail before submitting an expression of interest, please contact Jenny Gordon, email: jenny.gordon@rcn.org.uk, Tel: 01235-522 953, 07774-813 292.

Key skills required

Essential

• Educated to degree standard or equivalent in a relevant subject with a social science research or statistical competent
• Technical expertise in research design and analysis including the main quantitative, qualitative and evaluation research methods
• Critical appraisal skills
• Ability to apply knowledge of a range of research methods and analytical techniques to issues through project-based work
• Experience of report writing and oral presentation
• Competent user of MS Office Suite and SPSS
• Excellent  range of interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Experience of rapid evidence assessments and systematic reviews
• Post graduate qualification  with strong research or statistical component or equivalent Royal Statistical Society qualification desirable or extensive experience in an analytical discipline
• Knowledge and/or experience of nursing or health and social care
• Knowledge and/or experience of translating research and analysis into practice
• Understanding of concepts and practice of quality improvement