69. Survey of Attitudes to and Experience of Research in Clinical Practice 2015-16

Abstract

Background: Anecdotally, clinical research within paediatric rheumatology in the UK has variable measurable outcomes. A 2010 survey of barriers and challenges to research highlighted a positive attitude to clinical research and identified a number of barriers and potential facilitators of research. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) has changed significantly since 2010. It is therefore both timely and important to understand the current attitudes and challenges surrounding clinical research. Aims: To identify, describe and understand current attitudes, barriers and challenges to clinical research and the support available to clinical teams. Methods: The BSPAR membership was invited to participate in a web-based survey using Survey Monkey. The questionnaire was based on and updated from the previous survey in 2010 and derived through informal discussion with key stakeholders. Responders were asked to rate each statement on a 5 point Likert scale. Ethical approval was obtained from Newcastle University Ethical Committee. Results: 103/320 (34%) responded in a wide range of clinical roles. 35% were members of the CRN: Children Arthritis Research UK Clinical or Topic Specific Groups. Time: Just 32% of the respondents reported dedicated research time within their job plans and more than 50% of these were unable to achieve research objectives within the allocated time. Training: 63 respondents (61.1%) had up-to-date GCP training and 15 (14.5%) had never had any research training. Resources: Responders strongly agreed that research needed to be relevant to high quality care and acceptable to their staff. Most felt their colleagues were supportive and enthusiastic about research. However, 50% reported insufficient resources and just 60% felt their staff had adequate ethics and governance training. 65% were not aware of the exact number of the patients involved in research in their department. Personal experiences of interactions with local NIHR: CRN teams were variable (38% good support). (figure parsented) Conclusions: This survey reports very similar findings to the 2010 survey. Active involvement in research remains a priority for many clinical teams but more needs to be done to address the challenges of limited time, training and resources. Strategies are likely to include job planning to include research, mentoring and targeted training schemes. Clinicians report an overwhelming need for more support clinical research. The variation in experiences of working with NIHR: CRN teams is important and requires further evaluation. Arthritis Research UK Paediatric Rheumatology CSG has an ongoing role in continuing to work towards improved access to clinical research for all, perhaps supporting delivery of novel training programmes.