Evaluation of iCAhRE Program Shows Lasting Benefits for Health Care Staff

The evaluation of the iCAhRE (Interdisciplinary Clinical Academic health Research Excellence) program at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has confirmed its long-term positive impact on health care professionals. This initiative aims to enhance staff knowledge of research methodologies and improve patient care through increased engagement in research activities.

The iCAhRE program, delivered in partnership with Coventry University, has been instrumental in fostering a research culture among healthcare workers. Since its inception, participants have secured research grants totaling £3.2 million and contributed to over 230 publications.

Significant Findings from the Evaluation

A recent study, led by Dr. Eleanor Lutman-White from Coventry University’s Research Center for Healthcare and Communities, assessed the program’s effectiveness. The research team included experts from Coventry University and Professor Joan Coad from the School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham. Their findings demonstrated that the iCAhRE program significantly enhanced participants’ research knowledge and skills, which in turn positively influenced clinical practice and staff confidence.

Dr. Lutman-White emphasized the importance of providing research opportunities to a broader range of health care professionals. “Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, and Healthcare Scientists form the majority of the clinical workforce providing care to patients but have fewer opportunities to engage in research compared to medical staff,” she stated. “This evaluation has underlined the vital importance of providing opportunities to develop research knowledge and skills to these health care professionals.”

Commitment to Research for All

The iCAhRE initiative aligns with UHCW’s broader Research for All strategy, reflecting the trust’s commitment to cultivating a research-oriented culture across all health care professions. This focus aims to ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes.

Nicolas Aldridge, Head of Research Delivery and Impact at UHCW, highlighted the program’s success. “We receive very positive feedback on the iCAhRE program from our staff, many of whom go on to build research careers, and it is great to see this backed up by a formal evaluation,” he said. Currently, the iCAhRE Bronze program is in its ninth cohort, with 59 staff members gaining Master’s modules in research methodology and real-world clinical research experiences.

The study has been published in the journal BMC Medical Education, showcasing the significance of this initiative in advancing the professional development of health care staff. For further details, refer to the article by Eleanor Lutman-White et al, titled “A mixed methods evaluation of a facilitated research career pathway for nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and healthcare scientists working in the NHS,” set to be published in 2025.

As the landscape of health care continues to evolve, programs like iCAhRE play a crucial role in equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for improved patient outcomes.