A Pilot Project to Create Awareness of Clinical Research Funding Streams Among Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in England

Abstract

Background: A culturally diverse research workforce benefits patients, the community and the population as patients see health and care professionals who are like them and can build trusting relationships. From our experience, ethnic minority group nurses are less likely to attend research-related workshops and have significantly less awareness about clinical research funding and career pathways. This pilot project aimed to create awareness of clinical research terminology, methods and funding streams among ethnic minorities cardiothoracic nurses and allied health professionals (NAHPs) across specific geographical locations in England.

Methods: Participants were invited using social media platforms to attend a research masterclass at various locations across England and 211 were registered but 92 attended. They were also invited to complete a pre- and postworkshop questionnaire to determine their understanding of the topics being taught during the masterclass. Data were collected and then compared before and after the masterclass.

Results: A total of 63 out of 92 participants completed the workshop evaluation. There were 88% female and 11% male participants, aged 18 to 60+ years with different educational backgrounds. The participant’s pre- and postresearch theory and skills knowledge demonstrated some significant changes after attending the Masterclass on understanding research terminologies (p < 0.001), how study aims, and objectives determine the study methodology (p < 0.001) and the difference between qualitative and quantitative research (p = 0.012). We also asked about the overall experience (98% said 10 out of 10), structure of the workshop (98% said 9 out of 10), venue, food and drinks (95% said 8 out of 10), communication/organisation (98% said 10 out of 10) and relevance of the workshops (100% said 10 out 10).

Conclusions: Our study findings suggest that raising awareness about research careers, local/national funding opportunities and research masterclasses can improve NAHPs awareness of opportunities to gain skills and confidence in leading their own research to answer pertinent clinical and care questions related to their practice and ultimately improve patient care. In addition, this study identifies the gap in clinical research and funding among clinical staff, which is crucial for advancing evidence-based practice. Encouraging clinical healthcare staff to engage in clinical research will help foster an evidence-based culture.