United Kingdom Department of Health Research Strategy and Funding: A historical perspective and future opportunities for nursing research

Abstract

This concurrent session will critically review the creation of policy related to research funding and governance from the creation of the NHS through to the current changes to Research Governance and the new research infrastructure landscape. The key landmarks of this landscape being the National Research Ethics Service, the United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaborative and the Topic Specific and Comprehensive research networks.All nursing research takes place in the context of the United Kingdom Department of Health’s National Research Strategy. Nurses experience this at various levels, from Ethics committees to large funding bodies and NHS Trust Research Departments.There has only been a fully defined national research strategy since Best Research for Best Health (DH 2008) before this there have been a series of initiatives to unpick the confused and complicated process or funding and regulating research (Shergold 2008) all of which have led us to the emergent National Research Infrastructure we encounter today.With this historical perspective in mind we will identify some of the key issues that can potentially benefit nursing and nursing research namely:•\tA national strategic direction to fund research examining the second translational gap, an area of research in which nurses are uniquely placed to consolidate a strong position and lead multi disciplinary, multi method research to aid patients•\tAn explosion in opportunities for research nurses in the new infrastructure, with a strong push towards clearly defined career paths acknowledging the contribution nurses make to clinical research.These benefits are equally relevant for clinical and academic nurses from University and NHS, and in fact, partnerships between these institutions are a pre-requistite for success in the new funding opportunities.Looking back, moving forward is the title of this year’s conference, the author of this session hopes to add to the policy context for nursing research over the last 50 years and help individuals make sense and see opportunities in the current climate of change.Department of Health (2006) Best Research for Best Health - a new national health research strategy. London, Stationery Office.Shergold, M and Grant, J. (2008) Freedom and need: The evolution of public strategy for biomedical and health research in England. Health Research Policy and Systems, 6(2)Finch, J. (2007) Developing the best research professionals Qualified graduate nurses: recommendations for preparing and supporting clinical academic nurses of the future[online]. UK Clinical Research Collaboration Available from: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/ccawi/publications/NURSES%20IN%20CLINICAL%20RESEARCH%20-DEVELOPING%20THE%20BEST%20RESEARCH%20PROFESSIONALS%20-%20PUBLISHED%20REPORT%20AUG%202007.pdf [03 Nov 08].