4.5.1 Career development in research for the healthcare workforce (320)

Elizabeth Rosser, Reader, Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom Elizabeth.Rosser@uwe.ac.uk

Abstract:

Background:

Given the emergence of evidence-based practice as a major policy initiative in modern healthcare systems, consideration needs to be given as to how best to support the next generation researchers to sustain and develop the level of evidence required.

Aims:

This paper explores how participants employed by four universities in south west England perceive their role in shaping the development of research careers in the healthcare workforce.

Methods:

An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken using thirty in-depth, semi-structured interviews (collected October 2005-January 2007). A snowball sampling technique was used to identify key participants with 7-8 participants identified from each institution.

Data analysis:

Data were managed, analysed and coded with the assistance of the qualitative data analysis software NVivo using a thematic content analysis. Findings focused on four main themes:

The importance of the context and research culture in stimulating research interest
Increasing capability and capacity among students, academic colleagues and clinical practitioners
The importance of flexible employment opportunities with supportive employment contracts
The importance of leadership through Readers and Professors integrated into the business of the faculty/school.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that participants do see themselves as playing a significant and important role in shaping the research workforce in healthcare. With the emergence of the new clinical academic career for nurses, and an increase in value of patient focused research, there is a need for healthcare academics to sustain and develop research capacity and capability to promote scholarship and research among their peers. Although good examples of flexible employment exist there was recommendation to introduce new roles such as clinical Chairs to influence the strategic direction in research for both education and practice. The research leadership of Readers and Professors is highly valued though the study recommends greater transparency of expectations in their role.

Source of Funding: UK - Higher Education Funding Council

Level of funding: 10,001 - 50,000

Biography:

Dr Elizabeth Rosser is Reader in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol. She has a particular interest in the development and evaluation of the healthcare workforce and is faculty lead for the Professional and Workforce Development Research programme.