Implementation of the RCN Research Strategy

Introduction

The RCN Research Strategy sets out a vision for the future of research within the RCN where research activity is recognised as strategic, coherent and relevant. Six recommendations were approved by RCN Council in July 2007: the implementation of these recommendations is already underway, and each recommendation indicates where the RCN should lead, where it should collaborate with other key stakeholders and where the RCN should keep a watching brief on developments. Each of the recommendations set out examples of how they could be implemented. To maintain transparency over this process, the recommendations are laid out in full here, and links to work involved given. The full report (PDF, 169K) is also available

 

Recommendation 1

  • We recommend the RCN takes strategic action to secure its position as a credible source of influence around:
    - the value of nursing research evidence with the funders of research and development, including Governments
    - the potential impact of research and development within the organisations where nursing care is provided and policy developed      

Developments to date

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Ongoing

 

Recommendation 2

  • We recommend the RCN develop co-ordinated and sustained campaigns across the UK to increase the impact of nursing research evidence, and its use in practice, with key stakeholders

Developments to date

2010

2011

2012

Ongoing

 

Recommendation 3

  • We recommend the RCN models the use of the best available evidence in every aspect of its activity, processes and governance

Developments to date

2008

  • 2008 - 2013. RCN Strategic Plan, "Ensure the RCN contributes evidence-based information to developments in health and social care policy"

2009

2010

2011

  • RCN Quality Assurance Framework, developed by Anne Casey

2012

  • Critical appraisal skills for RCN staff, facilitated by Chris Watts

Ongoing

 

Recommendation 4

  • We recommend the RCN develops an integrated on-line resource where members, staff and other key stakeholders can access:
    - the best available research evidence
    - on-line guidance on how to use research evidence and audit its impact
    - people with the relevant expertise to support the use and conduct of research

Developments to date

Ongoing

 

Recommendation 5

  • We recommend the RCN enables members and staff to acquire the skills necessary (both operationally and strategically) to:
    - use research and evaluate its impact on their practice
    - conduct research
    - operationally and strategically support nurses in using and conducting research
    - influence the commissioning of research
    - become leaders and role models in the conduct, use and influencing of research

Developments to date

2009

2010

2011

2012

Ongoing

 

Recommendation 6

  • We recommend the RCN develops:
    - an integrated approach to the governance of its research activities to ensure that research activities are coherent, strategic and relevant
    - an enabling organisational infrastructure to co-ordinate the use, conduct and influencing of research activities and ensure all RCN research activity is of an optimum standard and has maximum impact

Developments to date

2010

2011

  • 2011. Baseline mapping of RCN research activity