Research in an NHS Community Healthcare Trust: Mapping activity and perceived capacity, readiness, culture and aspirations
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All Authors
Carruthers, Victoria
Comer, Christine
Foxcroft, Ben
Yarlagadda, Soujanya
Halstead-Rastrick, Jill
LTHT Author
Foxcroft, Ben
Yarlagadda, Soujanya
Halstead-Rastrick, Jill
Yarlagadda, Soujanya
Halstead-Rastrick, Jill
LTHT Department
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Background
With increasing healthcare demands, a research-positive culture is needed within community healthcare settings to inform efficient and effective practice.
Aims
To capture current research activity and outputs, research perceptions and aspirations in our community healthcare organisation.
Methods
Four interrelated workstreams included:
1. A review of research databases to identify studies delivered in the Trust 2021-23.
2. A systematic search to identify publications and conference abstracts authored by Trust staff 2021-23.
3. Online surveys, incorporating two validated rating scales, to capture perceptions of research capacity1 (senior leaders and team managers) and of research readiness and aspirations 2 (healthcare staff and senior leaders).
4. Semi-structured interviews with team managers, senior leaders and research-interested staff to further explore survey responses.
Analysis included study and publication counts analysed by service type, survey response frequencies and thematic analysis of interview data.
Results
• 57% research studies delivered and 76% research authors were from specialist services, where 3 established clinical academics are employed.
• Surveys were completed by senior leaders (48%), team managers (54%) and staff (2.5%): Median scores on a validated research capacity scale¬1 (1-10) were 6.5 (senior leaders) and 4.25 (team managers). Median ratings of research readiness2 (1-5) were 2.0 (senior leaders) and 2.5 (staff). Median level aspired to in the next 5 years was 4 (across all staff). Senior leaders aspired to level 5 for advanced practitioners.
• Themes from interviews completed by senior leaders (72%), team managers (74%) and research-interested staff (12%) focussed on: Research processes (e.g. research reporting); workforce development (clinical academic opportunities); training plan (shared learning): leadership (advanced practice researchers); strategic planning (research priorities, strengths, gaps).
Conclusions
Some community services are more research active than others, especially specialist areas and those with embedded research leaders.
Team managers seem less optimistic than senior leaders about research capacity and capability, but future aspirations are high especially for advanced practitioners.