Divisional appointments consolidate research partnership with Brookes University

Three senior researchers have been appointed as Divisional Research Leads in the latest move that builds on the successful ongoing partnership between Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) and Oxford Brookes University to foster research by nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists, pharmacy staff and psychologists (NMAHPPs).

The aim of the Divisional leads is to develop research capability and capacity and provide research education and training across the two organisations.

Those appointed are:

• Dr Clair Merriman in Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Trauma, Specialist Surgery, Children's and Neonates (NOTSSCaN) Division
• Dr Louise Strickland in Surgery, Women's and Oncology (SuWOn) Division
• Dr Sheera Sutherland in Medicine, Rehabilitation and Cardiac (MRC) Division.

A research lead will be appointed later this year in the Clinical Support Services (CSS) and Corporate Divisions. 

Dr Merriman and Dr Sutherland, along with the CSS research lead, will spend one day a week at Oxford Brookes University's Oxford Institute of Applied Health Research (OxInAHR), teaching and supporting doctoral students. Dr Strickland is a research fellow at the University of Oxford one day a week.

The collaboration between OUH and OxInAHR, which is supported by NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, was awarded a grant of more than £750,000 in 2022 with the aim of advancing the research capabilities of healthcare professionals at OUH and Oxford Brookes through the development of an evidence-based workforce and a clinical academic pathway:

OUH and Brookes collaborate on boosting NMAHP research

 The partnership helps to meet an important national need; 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.

It has invested £30 million to develop this workforce, aiming for one percent of NMAHPPs to be in clinical academic roles by 2030.

"This 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," said Professor Helen Walthall, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research at OUH.

"In clinical areas we have seen research being embedded in practice and healthcare professionals engaging with research to deliver evidence-based care and to improve patient experience and outcomes. The grant has enabled us to show the impact of research and to further develop a more sustainable model of support for our workforce."

Professor Paul Carding, Director of OxInAHR, said the appointment of four senior clinical academic research leads in 2022 had been instrumental in fostering a research-rich environment at OUH, which has been crucial for improving patient outcomes, providing evidence-based care and enhancing the quality of education for healthcare professionals.

He added: "The outcomes of this partnership serve as a model for other institutions looking to build sustainable research capacity among healthcare professionals.

"This grant has directly addressed the national drive to support the development of research and innovation within the healthcare 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."

The funding has led to significant economic benefits, including attracting over £3 million in additional research funding through joint grants and fellowships between OUH and Oxford Brookes. The initiative has also supported the career development of over 70 healthcare professionals through bursaries, fellowships, and internships.

The partnership has also facilitated 143 quality improvement projects and produced 83 academic publications, further cementing the importance of research in clinical settings.

Professor Walthall concluded: "By embedding research into the fabric of our clinical work, we are not only enhancing the professional development of healthcare workers, but also ensuring that patient care is continuously informed by the latest research, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a stronger healthcare system."