Research and Development by the RCN 2013-2016

Reviewing knowledge

A 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.