A nurse’s journey into research: Jayne Goodwin, National Head of Research Delivery
Health and Care Research Wales made its exhibiting stand debut at the RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2022 in September, attending what was the first face-to-face conference since 2019. The event saw nurse researchers, international nurses, research nurses, nursing students and allied healthcare professionals gather to celebrate research and its vital role in addressing the needs of the healthcare system.
In keeping with the theme for this year’s conference, ‘Nurse research: looking forward’, the Health and Care Research Wales stand did just that; providing attendees with the opportunity to seek support and advice on beginning a research journey in Wales.
‘Innovation and improvement in nurse-led in Wales’
Jayne Goodwin, Nicola Ivins, Vianne Britten and Mandy Edwards, discussed in their presentation the key roles and responsibilities of a research nurse, as well as how nursing research positively affects patient care.
The presentation outlines opportunities for research nurses in the Centre for Trials Research demonstrated the value of research nursing in clinical research facilities and nursing roles in innovative models supporting clinical trial researchers.
Journey into research
Jayne Goodwin, the National Head of Research Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales shares her journey into research.
Jayne began her research career in the late 90s, where she became familiar with the development of HIV research. She experienced first-hand exposure to how new treatments were used to help support symptoms and extend the lives of those living with the virus.
It was not until opportunities arose to support clinical trials in oncology, working in a research centre in North Wales, that her interest in research became part of her clinical role.
“For cancer patients, clinical trials give the opportunity to try new treatments, not only to hopefully improve their symptoms and their quality of life but to help those who may be diagnosed in the future. My experience working with these patients really ignited my passion to work in research full-time.”
Jayne went on to work full-time within the clinical research delivery setting from 2000, working on various research nursing and leadership roles supporting the continuous development and improvement of research capacity and capability building in Wales.
Jayne had this advice to offer nurses who are looking to go into research: “First and foremost, do not be put off by what you think ‘research’ is about. There are many misconceptions about research roles being very administrative. I would encourage students from medical, nursing and allied health professions to seek experiences such as a placement, where they actively deliver clinical trials and find out for themselves what this means for their clinical practice and patients.
“The value of a nurse or other health care professionals in a clinical research role is the knowledge, insight and skills they bring to the delivery of a study. This is crucial, often it can be the difference between success and failure of a clinical research project.
“More importantly, it can also be the difference between a patient being offered an opportunity to consider a research treatment or not. Ultimately, without real people and real patients taking part in research, we cannot improve our clinical practice or improve treatments and care for our public.”
Training research nurses
As part of our commitment to making research part of everyone’s role in the NHS, our funding directly supports nearly 500 staff members across Wales to support research delivery, including nurses, midwives, clinical research officers, study coordinators and health and care support workers.
One Wales approach
The One Wales approach to research delivery across the NHS has evidenced its success as organisations work in partnership to ensure effective and streamlined services. This delivery approach can provide a lead single site for Wales that undertake research activities once, such as costings or contractual review. As a result, NHS Wales is providing a proactive and responsive service that speeds up study set-up and delivery, making a difference to the Welsh population.
With regards to the future of research nurses within research delivery in Wales, Jayne said:
“I believe research nursing is a specialist role and skill set. I look forward to the development of our workforce as we continue to grow and evolve in the context of the UK strategy for clinical research delivery.
“I’m ambitious for the recognition of research nurses and research Allined Health Professionals and I’m committed to demonstrating their value while continuing to improve patient care within Wales.”
To assist nurses who wish to journey into the world of research, Health and Care Research Wales provides regular training.
ENDS