Strategic action plan to boost research by nurses, midwives and allied health professions in Wales

A new research plan for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals has been launched today.  

Commissioned by the Welsh Government, the plan is designed to strengthen research across these professions and help make it a feature of daily practice. 

The strategic research action plan supports the idea of “research for everyone” and normalises research in all roles, from student to consultant practitioner, to build research capability and confidence across the professions. It will strengthen infrastructure and leadership that enables research engagement and progression, through support from education and service leaders. Finally, it will both value and celebrate the impact of research on practice, policy and patients. 

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said:

Improving health and social care services in Wales using evidence-based approaches is fundamental to improving the quality of care. Research is key in generating that evidence base, to drive improvements in health and social care services and to lay the foundations for better outcomes for patients, people and communities. 

“Research will provide opportunities for workforce development and enhanced job roles, which helps with recruitment and retention, as well as developing leaders and critical thinkers.  

“I am delighted this research action plan, commissioned by Wales’ Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Allied Health Professions Adviser, outlines actions to improve practice, build capacity and capability, and will ultimately lead to better outcomes for people who need healthcare.” 

Ruth Crowder, Chief Allied Health Professions Adviser, Welsh Government, said: “Every day, across all settings and sectors, allied health professionals, nurses and midwives deliver care that improves lives. But they also ask questions, seek out evidence, test ideas, lead change and innovate to meet the needs of individuals and communities.  

“This plan recognises and champions that contribution, setting out a clear direction to ensure that research becomes a core and valued part of every professional role, from student to senior leader, in clinical, academic, public health, social care and policy contexts. 

“The plan also empowers all health and care staff to use, participate in, deliver and lead research as part of the care they deliver, and to feel valued in doing so.” 

Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, said: “Wales is the first UK nation to have a plan like this to boost research across these key healthcare professions and we are proud that our talented professionals have come together to lead the way in this respect.  

“This is a plan not just for research leaders, but for all who use, generate, or are inspired by evidence to improve care.  

“We extend our sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the PRIORITY project. Your insights, experience and aspirations have shaped this plan, and your continued leadership will be essential in delivering it.” 

The strategic research plan was developed from the PRIORITY project through consultation with nurses, midwives and each of the 13 allied health professions (AHPs). The PRIORITY project brought together a range of voices to identify and address barriers to access, embrace and participate in research, as well as building talent pipelines to support the next generation of research leaders.  

Read the report on the Welsh Government website here.