Developing clinical academic potential through cross-organisational collaboration: the RNOH/Bart's Health, and Brunel University AHP & Nursing Research Internship scheme

Abstract

Purpose: Research-active hospitals have better patient outcomes, are safer, more efficient and retain staff. Historically, health and care professionals, such as Allied Health Professions (AHPs) and nurses have had limited opportunities and funding for research, with a lack of clearly defined clinical academic pathways. Multiple barriers exist to effectively integrating clinical and academic practice, hence, research capacity and capability initiatives are needed to provide infrastructure and support systems. A partnership between the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), Barts Health and Brunel University London established a bespoke clinical academic internship scheme in 2022. The aim of the scheme was to enhance research skills and engagement among AHPs and Nurses at a personal and wider organisational level, through the provision of research training and mentorship opportunities. This study evaluated the utility of the content and two-year impact of the scheme. Method(s): The 6-month internship offered protected time, optional 'pre-internship online workshops', research methodology training sessions delivered by Brunel University, and mentorship provision, through group and 1:1 sessions. Data were collected from interns who secured a place on the two schemes between 2022-2024. The 'research spider' tool was used to measure research capacity and capability development, which was completed on the first and last day of the internship. A survey was conducted to capture the one-year impact from the first cohort using a tailored questionnaire, comprising multiple choice questions, Likert scales, and open text box questions. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the sample. The content of the internship and qualitative data were described narratively. Result(s): Twenty-three interns undertook the scheme between 2022-2024 (7 Physiotherapists, 1 Therapy Technician, 4 Occupational Therapists, 4 Speech and Language Therapists, 3 Dieticians and 4 nurses). At baseline, all interns reported minimal experience across ten research skill domains. By the end of the internship, improvements were observed across several areas, including finding the literature, applying for funding and writing a protocol. After one year, the first cohort (n=13) reported high-very high levels of satisfaction and multiple impacts, including (but not limited to), a PhD studentship (n=1), associate PI scheme (n=1), funding award (n=1), abstract submissions to national conferences (n=5), and engagement with learning opportunities (n=7). Qualitative feedback suggested positive experiences; "Research feels more accessible to me than before - I actually feel I could progress my ideas in a meaningful way." Conclusion(s): Preliminary findings demonstrated meaningful improvements in research skills, engagement and experience among nurses and AHPs in both short and longer terms, with sustained involvement in clinical academic practice evident one year post-internship. Multiple tangible outcomes emerged from the scheme, contributing to a shift in organisational culture change. Impact: This internship scheme has demonstrated the symbiotic value of cross-organisational collaboration between healthcare and academic institutions to support the development of the AHP and nursing clinical academic workforce though the implementation of a sustainable infrastructure (internship scheme), which is suitable for implementation in the 'real-world'. Research capacity building, professional development, and organisational cultural change are amongst the established benefits of the scheme. Funding acknowledgements: This project was not funded Keyword 1: Clinical academic Keyword 2: Research Keyword 3: Internship Copyright © 2025