23 Building capacity & capability- An evaluation of a multi-disciplinary research group (82)

Jean Parnell, Lecturer - Adult Nursing, School of Nursing, Allerton Building, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
Co authors: Sarah Ratcliffe & Carol Haigh
j.parnell@salford.ac.uk

Abstract:

Background:

There is an increasing expectation in the research community that any research undertaken for patient benefit will be a collaboration between academics and clinicians. This poses a problem when the appropriate supportive environment for the development of the requisite research skills is not in place. To address this, a research group, focusing upon the broad topics of Pain and Rehabilitation was set up consisting of clinicians and academics. This poster evaluates and reflects upon the effectiveness of such a group in its first year.

Group development:

The entire group had disparate connections with Universities in the North West and an interest in pain and/or rehabilitation. Following consultation it was decided that we needed to create opportunities for junior lecturers to engage in research in a supportive environment and to engage with various senior clinicians in order to research and explore current issues in pain and rehabilitation thus contributing to and supporting the delivery of evidence based care. This development would be supported by the more experienced researchers in the group who would also provide mentoring experience for those less experienced individuals.

Group purpose:

By bringing together academics and expert practitioners from diverse clinical settings, the group bid for, and undertake research projects, discuss and support dissemination of completed research projects and act in a supportive and advisory capacity to each other.

Evaluation:

The group dynamic has been inclusive and supportive from the beginning and productive research collaborations across disciplines have developed. After the first year, attendance at the meetings remains high. The group have had seven papers accepted for publication. Four research bid applications have been submitted one of which has been successful.In addition the group have submitted three abstracts to various conferences.

Biography:

I am a lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Salford. My main areas of expertise are orthopaedic nursing, chronic back pain and rehabilitation. I am a novice researcher and an active member and secretary of the Pain & Rehabilitation Research Group. I have had one paper published in the University of Salford's inhouse journal 'Innovative Learning in Action'. I have been awarded funding from the University of Salford's Vice Chancellors Fund to support collaborative work with the Musculoskeletal Service in a local Primary Care Trust. This is in order to develop educational media for people with acute and chronic back problems. Prior to becoming a lecturer I worked as a nurse specialist leading a multi-professional Back Pain Service. I also worked collaboratively with local social services departments in establishing a Continuing Care Service in a local Acute Trust.