What are the benefits of involvement in health care research, for health care staff?
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All Authors
Hanbury, Andria
Parker, Emily
Lawton, Rebecca
Marran, Jayne
Schofield, Jane
Cave, Laurie
McVey, Lynn
Eyers, Emma
Graf, Peter van der
Kislov, Roman
LTHT Author
LTHT Department
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Background
Research-active healthcare organisations demonstrate improved care processes (e.g., Boaz et al, 2015), fewer adverse events (Ozdemir et al, 2015), and reduced staff turnover (Harding et al, 2017). However, there's limited evidence about the benefits experienced by health care staff themselves. To address this gap, researchers from the Yorkshire and Humber Applied Research Collaboration (YH ARC) collaborated with several other ARCs to conduct a scoping review, to identify the different types of involvement, and the benefits experienced.
Methods
The team searched four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus) supplemented by a grey literature search, focused on UK-based records published in English (2003-2023). Extracted data included the type of record (journal article, blog, poster, report), whether it was a reflective piece or gathered direct reports of benefits (via surveys or interviews), type of involvement (from research participation through to more intensive clinical academic roles), and the benefits reported. The benefits were distilled into themes by four research active clinicians.
Findings
There were 49 retained records; they covered a range of types of involvement, most commonly clinical academic roles (n=21) but also covering less intense roles, such as study recruitment and data collection, through to research participation itself. The majority of records were journal articles (n=44) reporting directly on benefits (n=38). Six key benefits were distilled:
1. Personal fulfillment
2. Opportunities to lead practice improvements
3. Building connections and networks
4. Learning opportunities
5. General skills and competency development
6. Effective evidence use
Conclusions
The findings support efforts to engage staff in research at various intensity levels, including lower intensity research participation. Records showed examples of people thriving through research involvement, noting how research activities can buffer against clinical practice stresses while developing valuable skills.
Given current retention challenges in health care, demonstrating this broad range of benefits is crucial for justifying staff time allocation to non-direct care activities. Organizations should promote these diverse benefits as incentives for staff research involvement.