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

For example, the RCN could:

  • build on current research alliances such as that between the RCN Research Society, the Royal College of Midwives and the Community Practitioner and Health Visitors Association to develop and promote collaborative relationships with powerful stakeholders and investigate the potential of setting up a  UK wide entity, to represent the collective interest of all stakeholders in the use and conduct of research in nursing, midwifery and health visiting  practice
  • acknowledge the significant differences across the UK and consider for example the lessons learned from the Scottish model of funded collectives  to lobby for equitable investment across in the UK.
  • make explicit the interfaces between research and development, policy and nursing practice for the benefit of the public in the UK, Europe and wider international community 
  • investigate methods for showcasing organisations which support the research and innovation endeavours of nurses which involve patients and the public throughout the research process and improve patient experiences and patient outcomes.
  • lobby for the establishment and evaluation of more joint appointments between health service providers and Higher Education Institutions within the context of a clinical academic career framework, to support the conduct and facilitate the use of research evidence in practice.

DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE.

 

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

For example, the RCN could:

  • enhance RCN standing by routinely and overtly underpinning RCN policy and communications by the 'political capital' gained from nursing research, and demonstrate, through the use of evidence, how nursing research can address the problems facing health and social care
  • review methods for assessing and increasing the impact of research by nurses on health and social care policy and promote and publish research carried out in partnership with patients and patient / carer organisations within the public, policy and professional arenas
  • contribute to shaping education curricula as all nurses (the largest workforce in Europe) need to be able to find, appraise, adapt and use research knowledge to practice.  Research use skills coupled with expert facilitation are at the forefront of improving quality of care

DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE

 

Recommendation 3

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

For example, the RCN could:

  • profile research as a core component of the overall corporate strategy and develop a mechanism that integrates research into business planning and performance management processes
  • have research as a standing item on the agenda of relevant senior management and governance committees and incorporate a section for 'evidence base' within all RCN Governance papers
  • ensure that for all the research the RCN peer reviews, commissions, or undertakes consideration is given to the translation of its findings, knowledge management, brokerage, implementation and evaluation of its use in practice
  • provide RCN staff with the education and skills development to support the use of research and other forms of evidence in policy and practice

DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE

  • Measuring the impact of RCN-funded research activity

 

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

For example, the RCN could:

  • provide further guidance material and interactive online and educational support for members and staff
  • develop a database of clinical examples from across the UK where research is used in practice
  • create a directory of people who can help support nurses in using research in their practice
  • evaluate the usefulness of this resource

DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE

 

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

For example, the RCN could:

  • build on and develop the expertise within its membership and staff to use the best available research evidence in policy and practice and prepare skilled facilitators to help members and staff develop the necessary skill sets
  • develop leadership programmes for
    - research leaders to develop the skills required to influence research, policy and practice
    - nurse leaders / research supporters to facilitate and support clinical research environments and evidence based practice
  • develop, market and disseminate tailored guidance material and programmes of support for members, activists and staff for delivering and evaluating evidence based practice and collaborate with stakeholders to develop local work-based learning opportunities for members, activists and staff
  • build on and develop RCN networks that support the use, conduct and influencing of research
  • facilitate mentorship of novice researchers in the NHS and independent sector, broker a mentorship programme where neophyte researchers can shadow a seasoned campaigner and create a supportive network for people in mentoring roles
  • facilitate in depth workshops for decision makers and clinicians on knowledge transfer / exchange

DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE.

 

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

For example, the RCN could:

  • establish a research governance committee drawing on requisite expertise from within and external  to RCN membership to provide strategic advice to RCN Council on undertaking,  influencing and facilitating the conduct, commissioning  and use of research and establishing priorities therein
  • following a stakeholder consultation, and consideration of models operating with cognate organisations, develop detailed plans for the implementation of an RCN research infrastructure, which builds on current arrangements, to co-ordinate activities and provide an equitable, transparent, enabling framework for the commissioning, undertaking, reporting and disseminating of research
  • facilitate the development of a transparent set of  research 'prioritising principles' for the identification of organisational research priorities that are relevant to achieving the mission of the RCN, underpin the RCN Strategic Plan and have due regard to national and regional variation
  • build on current databases of expertise and develop a directory of research experts in order to facilitate access to topic specific and methodological expertise (including expert advice on health economics and statistics) to increase RCN influence on research, the impact of research and the quality of knowledge generated
  • examine the recommendations of the internal auditor and consider whether the Research Society should be treated as a forum  (RCN 2007)

DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE