Researcher Development Programme
Who is it for?
This programme has been designed for anyone who is interested in learning more about research; in influencing how it impacts care or in how it can support you professionally and personally. It is aimed at clinical and non-clinical staff, those using our services and anyone who works alongside us at Solent NHS Trust. As we tailor the programme around you, you can apply with any level of experience in research or academic training.
What is it about?
The aim of the programme is for people to gain confidence in research and begin to get more involved. Your focus could be on personal and/or team development. Depending on your level of experience, it will include training in research methods as well as techniques for using research evidence, and ways to get involved with research projects and teams. The overarching aim is to make research more accessible, raise awareness of how research improves care and to engage anyone living or working in our communities to get involved.
What does it involve?
Participants are on the programme for up to one year. The programme includes:
It is hoped that those on the programme will join a growing research community around Solent, and there is a commitment for continued support beyond the programme.
Participants will act as ambassadors for research and, once they feel confident, serve as a point of contact and support for colleagues, fellow patients or anyone who may be interested in research.
The programme includes a package of workshops throughout the year delivered by experts and specialists within the Trust and from our external partners. The workshops will include:
- Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) training sessions to develop skills for involving and engaging patients and the public in research projects from the beginning.
- Library and literature searching training from our internal Knowledge Specialist to support participants to find and identify appropriate evidence to underpin their research project.
- Introduction to critical appraisal of the literature
- Writing for a range of audiences and publications (including social media, blogs, and journals)
- Introduction to research ethics in healthcare
- Understanding research infrastructure
- Building support networks
You will be fully supported to produce evidence of your learning and development during the programme, which may include:
- Literature review or summary/report of a chosen topic, in line with service development and engagement with patient and public groups (e.g. Side-by-Side).
- Poster abstract in preparation for Solent R&I conference 2023. Encouragement to submit abstracts to applicable external conferences.
- Spotlight piece in Trust comms/social media to share with others their experience and progress.
- Project updates to professional team meetings to support embedding research activity and skills development within the clinical team
- Development of a funding application to support further research skill development
Each participant will be supported by a mentor. This is usually a research-active clinician or one of the Research Team.
Your time on the programme can be flexible, lasting up to a year, with the potential for funding to backfill some of your time, training, and other development activities.
Application Process
Applications are currently open until 24th February 2023. You can apply here.
The main training days in 2023 will be 19th April 2023, 20th June 2023 and the 20th September 2023.
For more information please email: involement@solent.nhs.uk