Capacity and Capability for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Principal Investigator Roles in Healthcare Research: A National Survey

Heather Jarman, Suzanne Bench, Teresa Melody, Sarah Brand*, Julie C. Menzies, Linda Tinkler, Karen Kemp, Sharon Dorgan, Catherine Henshall

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aims
To understand the current capacity and capability for nursing, midwifery and allied health professional (NMAHP) principal investigator roles in England.

Design
Quantitative online survey.

Methods
Online national quantitative survey across England analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results
The number of NMAHP PIs in an organisation was unrelated to the size of the NMAHP workforce. NMAHP PIs were more common in non-CTIMP studies. A quarter of organisations had no specific education or support for NMAHP PIs. Most respondents indicated that a national approach to support and training would be helpful.

Conclusions
Having more research-active NMAHPs provides career progression, improved staff retention and improves the evidence base for practice. Having a broader range of CI/PIs allows for more targeted and specialty-specific oversight of research studies and streamlines the acceptance process to allow research to be delivered in a more timely manner.

Implications for Practice
This will require more collaboration between NMAHP, medical and industry communities to promote a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare research delivery and to ensure that CI/PI roles are fulfilled by the most appropriate person, regardless of their profession.

Impact
To ascertain NMAHP capacity and capability for PI research roles. Shows where national and organisational effort should be focused to increase this nationally.

Reporting Method
Cross reporting guidance for survey studies was utilised.

Patient Contribution
No patient or patient contribution.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing
Early online date9 Jan 2025
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 9 Jan 2025
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • allied health professionals
  • clinical research
  • midwives
  • nurses
  • principal investigator

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