Building a Sustainable Research Infrastructure for Health Care Professionals: The Oxford Initiative

Advancing healthcare through sustainable research and collaborative innovation.
The collaboration between Oxford University Hospitals Trust (OUHT) and Oxford Brookes University's Oxford Institute of Applied Health Research (OxInAHR) has made significant strides in advancing the research capabilities of Health Care Professionals (HCPs). This partnership, which was awarded a grant in excess of £780k in 2022, has set a new standard for integrating research and clinical practice, benefiting not only the professionals involved but also the wider healthcare system and patient outcomes.
The National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) has long recognised the underrepresentation of certain healthcare professions, such as nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals, in clinical research roles. In response, NIHR has invested £30 million to develop this workforce, aiming for 1% of them to be in clinical academic roles by 2030. The Oxford Initiative has been a key contributor to this national effort, providing a model for how sustainable research infrastructure can be built to support these goals.
The Oxford Initiative’s success lies in its alignment with the strategic goals of both OUHT and OxInAHR. With the appointment of four senior clinical academic research leads, the partnership has established a sustainable model for research capacity building. These leaders have been instrumental in fostering a research-rich environment within the OUHT, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes, providing evidence-based care, and enhancing the quality of education for healthcare professionals.
The grant has led to significant economic benefits, including attracting over £3 million in additional research funding through joint grants and fellowships between OUHT and Oxford Brookes. The initiative has also supported the career development of over 70 healthcare professionals through bursaries, fellowships, and internships. Additionally, the partnership has facilitated 143 service quality improvement projects and produced 83 academic publications, further cementing the importance of research in clinical settings.
The outcomes of this partnership serve as a model for other institutions looking to build sustainable research capacity among Health Care Professionals. Professor Paul Carding, Director of OxInAHR, emphasises the broader impact of the initiative:
"This grant has directly addressed the national drive to support the development of research and innovation within the Health Care Professions workforce. We already know that the successful partnership of research-intensive NHS Trusts and Universities has substantial benefits to all involved—staff, patients, and students. However, it is far from clear how to build a sustainable model to make this happen. This grant has enabled us to build, implement, and evaluate a wide range of initiatives which can hopefully be copied and further developed across the country."
As the Oxford Initiative continues to evolve, Paul comments that “its focus remains on embedding research into the fabric of both healthcare and academic environments. By doing so, it not only enhances the professional development of healthcare workers but also ensures that patient care is continuously informed by the latest research, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a stronger healthcare system.”
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Professor Paul Carding
Director of OxINMAHR (Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research)