Table 3 Enablers of research and challenges to research
Category | Sub Category | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
Enablers | Perceived benefits | To increase understanding of and exemplify the benefits of my profession for clients I think having colleagues who are involved and passionate about research creates an environment which encourages others, particularly newer members of staff to think research could be part of their role. Having management and senior members of the team actively supporting and doing research motivates too |
Funding opportunities | External research opportunities can be found and pursued by individuals who are interested in research I have had some experience of being funded for research and access to support through the R&D and the host university | |
Support | We have an AHP research lead, who would support us if we wanted to do research, but any research would be done on top of our existing contract but do feel supported by my immediate manager to engage in training and development in research | |
Internal Motivation | Personal drive to make change, to stretch my mind and answer the constant barrage of questions Individual motivation to get involved in audit and research is very high | |
Challenges | Opportunities | Our Trust is active in wanting us to pursue clinical academic activity but there is no pathway and no career progression. I have been on the same banding with no chance on promotion Apart from mandatory training and diversity work no mention of opportunities for research in academia [and] is rarely advertised on trust intranet |
System | Seriously lacks the infrastructure to support research activity Infrastructures within the organisation do not exist to support clinical academic pathways and many challenges / barriers exists for those who are seeking active involvement in research | |
Emotions | Seems overwhelming, time consuming and difficult without support My future remains uncertain despite having worked as a clinical academic across the Trust and university for over 7 years | |
Priority | Workload pressures and short-staffing have limited the time I can spend on research and related activities Research is one of the forgotten areas of clinical practice in NHS divisional management used the money to reduce overspend rather than provide backfill for hours, and told staff shouldn't be doing research if [there is] no cover for clinical time |