The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) have published a joint position statement setting out how to make clinical research part of everyday practice for all healthcare professionals. The statement highlights the potentials benefits this could have, not only for improving patient care, but for tackling backlogs and reducing pressures on the NHS. COVID-19 caused a significant disruption to research activity, the RCP and NIHR emphasise that the recovery of research should be a priority for the NHS with everyone having a role to play.
It suggests that ICSs, NHS trusts and health boards should:
- Develop strong links between medical directors, research and development (R&D) directors and chief executives
- Encourage support for research to be recognised as part of direct clinical activity and reward involvement through local and national awards
- Ensure that multidisciplinary workforce planning encompasses those who support research
- Take opportunities to implement proportionate training requirements for those involved in research