Research and Development by the RCN 2013-2016

Four proposed workstreams

Supporting outstanding researchers & increasing nursing research activity

We will seek to understand what people need; articulate and prioritise by delivering information about future threats, pressures and opportunities
We will work with our research communities to identify new opportunities for research and evaluation activity that are aligned to our challenges that will help us build the body of knowledge
We will maintain and develop our networks of research active nurses/nurse lecturers/RCN staff to support research capacity building

Capturing Innovation

We will act as a repository of nurse-led innovations in order to connect nurses and share good practice
We will continue to asses nurse-led innovations against current evidence for nursing practice in order identify gaps in the evidence base and add to database of uncertainties and other research priority setting initiatives

Support quality assurance of all resources using RCN Quality framework

We will ensure that all resources and outputs developed within the organisation and endorsed from other sources are assured using the RCN’s Quality standards.

Support Organisation Memory (Labelling and collection management)

We will develop the RCN Knowledge Collection to be a global nursing brand for public and professionals to access, explore and use to inform and enjoy.

Embedding mutual trust and understanding

We will look at how and where nurses wish to engage with knowledge. To reach diverse audiences we will use the whole range of communication technologies at our disposal and we will encourage innovative ways of engaging with our members and other audiences to understand the ways in which they access and use evidence.

Developing strategic Quality Improvement capability

We will work with our quality improvement communities to identify new opportunities for quality improvement activity that are aligned to our challenges.

Use knowledge within cultural context

We will support our members and partner organisations to engage with the public and offer an environment that is conducive to sharing and using healthcare resources within their culture
We will use knowledge and evidence to Influence policy, funding and research agendas, leverage academic and industry attention and funding to nursing priorities
We will align organisational activities to use evidence and champion its use in care and quality improvement
We will use knowledge and evidence so that staff and members can support initiatives to influence research and quality agendas which have a direct impact on improving outcomes for patients.