Engaging allied health professionals in research across London and the south east
A new campaign is shining a spotlight on allied health professionals (AHPs) working in research across London and the south east, highlighting that healthcare professionals across the board — from physiotherapists to dietitians — can add research to their careers.
The AHPs in Research campaign is being delivered by the local NIHR Clinical Research Networks (CRNs) across London and the south east, which includes:
- CRN Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- CRN North Thames
- CRN North West London
- CRN South London
The campaign comes as two experienced research leaders have been appointed to engage, develop and oversee the nursing, midwifery and AHP workforce across north London, aiming to embed research across local organisations.
Helen Jones, Lead Nurse for the Research Delivery Workforce at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHT), will work alongside Scott Mullaney, Divisional Research Manager at ICHT, to grow and develop the current and future workforce.
Working with the CRN North West London and the CRN North Thames, Helen and Scott will play a key role in supporting the strategic aim to integrate research within the workforce.
"Our goal is to integrate research into the clinical journey, eliminating the misconception that it is a daunting and separate entity", Scott said. "It’s not necessarily about moving staff into research roles but making research a part of current roles."
Helen Jones added: "We know there is work to be done to improve research knowledge among the general nursing, midwifery and AHP workforce. We hope that by working with senior leaders in partner organisations across the region we can gain an understanding of current processes and share best practice, enabling us to create an environment that encourages and empowers staff to make research a part of their roles."
The AHPs in Research campaign has already put a spotlight on a number of professions so far, sharing research career stories from paramedics, dietitians, physiotherapists, and more.
