Research policy

Research policy and research strategy within the UK, and particularly within the NHS, has had and will continue to have a huge impact on research in nursing. Here we identify organisations and publications relevant to the field of research policy/strategy.

This section of the website offers guidance on research policy/strategy in the 4 countries of the UK, Europe and beyond.

 

UK wide

RCN Policy

The RCN Policy Unit is part of a UK-wide policy team which is helping to not only interpret developments in health and social care but influence, shape and inform. Each country has its own challenges and democratic structures, so it may be the case that approaches differ or some parts of the information will be country specific - we will make every effort to highlight that and provide links to appropriate staff and agencies internally and externally to the RCN.

We work with a wide range of stakeholders, including government and think tanks, on the development and implementation of policy, to ensure nursing influence and voice. We also undertake futures work in relation to the nursing workforce, which includes education, regulation and skill mix. We have established a number of processes that help our members to engage in the process of policy development. This includes surveys, workshops, seminars and briefings.

Website: RCN Policy Unit

 

England

Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2009), "Research Strategy for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions". This document outlines a five year research strategy, which aims to increase research capacity and capability and promote evidence-based practice among multi-professional staff.

Department of Health (DH) Policy Research Programme (PRP)

The Policy Research Programme (PRP) is a national research-funding programme within the Department of Health’s Research and Development Directorate. It commissions high quality research based evidence across the full policy remit of the Department. The PRP works alongside other research programmes in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) which commissions research for practice at the front line in the NHS, public health and social care.

Website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Researchanddevelopment/Policyresearchprogramme/index.htm

Best Research for Best Health: a new national health research strategy [Department of Health, 2006]

This publication sets out the goals for research and development over the next five years and demonstrates the commitment to creating a vibrant research environment that contributes to the health and wealth of England.

Website: http://snipurl.com/ly5r

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)

The mission of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is to maintain a health research system in which the NHS supports outstanding individuals, working in world class facilities, conducting leading edge research focused on the needs of patients and the public. The NIHR is is a large, multi-faceted and nationally distributed organisation, funded through the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

Website: http://www.nihr.ac.uk/

 

Northern Ireland

HSC Research & Development, Northern Ireland Public Health Agency

HSC R&D supports research that provides high quality evidence to improve care for patients, clients and the general population, and adds to our understanding of health, disease, treatment and care.

Website: http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/directorate-public-health/hsc-research-and-development

Health and Social Care R&D Strategy 2007 - 2012 [Northern Ireland, 2007]

Our work is directed by a strategy built on five strategic goals:

  • Research Infrastructure
  • Research Funding
  • Research Capacity
  • Innovation
  • Personal and Public Involvement

Website: http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/R&D%20Strategy.pdf (PDF, 1.13MB)

 

Scotland

RCN Scotland Research Task and Finish Group (2011), "Nursing research in Scotland: why it is important and what support is needed" (PDF, 34KB). The review date for this document is July 2013.

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) (2011), "National guidance for clinical academic research careers for nursing, midwifery and allied health professions in Scotland"

Website: http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/nursing-and-midwifery/resources/publications/national-guidance-for-clinical-academic-research-careers-for-nursing,-midwifery-and-allied-health-professions-in-scotland.aspx

NHS Research Scotland

The NHS Research Scotland (NRS) initiative involves Health Boards in Scotland and the Chief Scientist Office. One of its strategic aims is to ensure that the NHS provides the best environment to support clinical research in Scotland through the application of best practice and harmonised processes that are supportive of efficient working. A dedicated NRS website went live on 1 October 2012.

Website: http://www.nhsresearchscotland.org.uk/

Investing in Research | Improving Health: the research strategy for health and healthcare [Scottish Government, 2009]

Investing in Research / Improving Health sets out the aims and ambitions we have to sustain and build upon current success. Its four broad aims are:

  • securing benefits to patients and the population at large
  • improving population health
  • valuing and investing NHS research to ensure that the NHS provides high quality efficient structures to support clinical research
  • building and sustaining skills.

Website: http://nrs.mtcserver8.com/227_Strategy.html and http://nrs.mtcserver8.com/cms/documents/CSO%20Investinng%20in%20Research%20-%20Improving%20Health.pdf

 

Wales

Welsh Assembly Government (2013), "A community nursing research strategy for Wales". The vision of the strategy is to develop research in primary care, to build research capacity and develop the evidence for practice. The strategy also takes into account the 10 priorities for nursing in Wales and the broad spectrum of nursing practice.

National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR)

NISCHR's goal is to fund today's research that will inform tomorrow's care and improve the health and wealth of the people of Wales. NISCHR manages its activities through three main strands of work which are:

  • Streamlining Research
  • Supporting Excellence And Innovation
  • Investing In The Future

Website: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/home.cfm?orgid=952

 

Europe and International

European Charter for Researchers

The European Charter for Researchers is a set of general principles and requirements which specifies the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers as well as of employers and/or funders of researchers. The aim of the Charter is to ensure that the nature of the relationship between researchers and employers or funders is conducive to successful performance in generating, transferring, sharing and disseminating knowledge and technological development, and to the career development of researchers. The Charter also recognizes the value of all forms of mobility as a means for enhancing the professional development of researchers.

Website: http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index_en.cfm?l1=0&l2=3

European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme

The European Commission's seventh research framework programme for 2007 to 2013 identifyies health as one of the nine core themes. For the first time, international co-operation will be integral to the framework by establishing a European Research Council which will identify and fund excellence in research that has been assessed by scientists.

Website: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html

 

Historical documents