Research funding

Developing a best practice framework to benchmark research and development activity in nursing and midwifery

Clinical and social care governance provides a strategic climate in which research and development (R&D) is a key component. Within this context, nurses and midwives have the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference to the quality of patient care by raising the profile of their R&D activity. The R&D Best Practice Framework advanced in this paper has been developed as a mechanism to identify good practice and to help build a more positive culture within which nursing and midwifery research and development can flourish. The aim of the Framework was to identify explicit criteria for developing the nursing and midwifery R&D agenda, against which organisations can benchmark activity. The R&D Best Practice Framework was developed using a systematic approach, and resulted in the formulation of best practice statements relating to key stakeholder groups including health and care providers, education providers and R&D funders. Statements were themed under six headings: strategy development; building capacity; infrastructure; partnership working; research in practice; and outcome assessment. The potential exists for the Framework to be translated across a range of settings, to be used by organisations as a benchmark for current activity, and as a tool which can facilitate future planning.

Capacity building in nursing and midwifery research and development: an old priority with a new perspective

AIM

This paper is a report of a study to identify strategic priorities to inform the development of a regional strategy for nursing and midwifery research and development.

BACKGROUND

Research capacity has been highlighted internationally as a crucial element in the advancement of nursing and midwifery research and development. Research capacity has been defined as that which relates to the ability to conduct research. In a strategic context, however, there is a broader perspective that encompasses activities related both to 'using' and 'doing' research.

METHODS

A modified nominal group technique was employed. Three rounds were used to identify the main strategic priorities for nursing and midwifery research and development. Round one was based on the Delphi Technique and further rounds were based on the nominal group technique approach. Data were collected during February 2005. Participants (n = 105) were those involved in the research and development agenda for nursing and midwifery in Northern Ireland.

FINDINGS

Capacity building was highlighted as a central component from the final 12 priorities, with three key areas identified: (1) the importance of strong and visible leadership; (2) developing research expertise that will enable the profession to deliver programmes of research and (3) increasing the capacity of individuals and organizations to engage in development activity.

CONCLUSION

The 12 priorities identified emphasize the need for a broad perspective on building capacity that reflects involvement in a range of activities that span 'research' and 'development'. This has important implications globally if nurses and midwives are to develop the knowledge and skills required to engage in research and development as an integral part of their practice. Embracing this broader perspective has the potential to enhance performance that will contribute to continuous quality improvement.