Dataset Information

A mixed-methods study of challenges and benefits of clinical academic careers for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The clinical academic trajectory for doctors and dentists is well-established, with research embedded in their career development. Recent years have also seen a burgeoning interest and push for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) to pursue a clinical academic career. However, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) 10-year review suggested that there may be problems with progression post Master's degree level for this group, with nurses and midwives receiving less NIHR funding than allied health professionals. This study responds to these concerns, tracking the progression and exploring experiences of NMAHPs in the East Midlands region of England.

Design

An online survey and in-depth interviews were used to capture a wide range of experiences.

Participants

67 NMAHPs who were pursuing a clinical academic career were surveyed, supplemented by 16 semi-structured in-depth interviews.

Results

Three themes emerged during data analysis: Embarking on a clinical academic career, overcoming barriers and benefits.

Conclusions

NMAHPs are motivated to pursue a clinical academic career by a drive to improve services for the benefit of patients and the National Health Service more widely, as well as for personal development and career progression. People working in these roles have opportunities to explore possible solutions to issues that they encounter in their clinical role through academic study. Findings reveal benefits emanating from the individual level through to (inter)national levels, therefore academic study should be encouraged and supported. However, investment is needed to establish more clinical academic roles to enable NMAHPs to continue to use their experience and expertise post-PhD, otherwise the full extent of their value will not be recognised.

SUBMITTER: Trusson D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6797317 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

A mixed-methods study of challenges and benefits of clinical academic careers for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Trusson Diane D Rowley Emma E Bramley Louise L

BMJ open 20191007 10

<h4>Objectives</h4>The clinical academic trajectory for doctors and dentists is well-established, with research embedded in their career development. Recent years have also seen a burgeoning interest and push for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) to pursue a clinical academic career. However, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) 10-year review suggested that there may be problems with progression post Master's degree level for this group, with nurses and midw ...[more]

PMID: 31594886

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Project description:BackgroundThe delivery of research in healthcare in the UK is dependent on a subgroup of clinicians - clinical academics - who concurrently engage in clinical practice and academic activities. The need to increase access to such roles for general practice nurses has been identified, although the need for a robust career framework remains.AimsThis study, with a qualitative interview and focus group design, aimed to explore the concept of clinical academic careers for general practice nurses by identifying barriers and enablers associated with pursuing and performing such roles.MethodsGeneral practice nurses (n = 18) and general practitioners (n = 5) engaged in either an audio -recorded interview or focus group. Verbatim transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes were identified: awareness and understanding; career pathway; personal and professional attributes; and organisational factors. Awareness and understanding were generally poor. Participants suggested that the career pathway was unclear, although it was generally assumed that such roles were 'out of reach' and require a minimum of Master's level education. An interest in research and the confidence to perform such duties were reported as the required personal and professional attributes. Organisational factors included the need for employers to understand the value and benefit of general practice nurse clinical academic roles, along with ensuring that the inevitable competing demands of such a role were appropriately managed.ConclusionsThis study highlights the difficulties faced by general practice nurses wishing to pursue a clinical academic career. Academia is seemingly placed on a pedestal, emphasising the need to embed research training early in nursing education to alter general practice nurse perceptions that clinical academic roles are unobtainable. The development of a robust career pathway for general practice nurse clinical academic roles may have a positive impact on the retention of experienced general practice nurses and attract newly qualified nurses. This research provides evidence as to the need for one.

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Dataset Information

A mixed-methods study of challenges and benefits of clinical academic careers for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Objectives

Design

Participants

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A mixed-methods study of challenges and benefits of clinical academic careers for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Similar Datasets

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