Embedding research in the NHS
Improving health and care services in Wales using evidence-based approaches is fundamental to improving the quality of care and putting the public at the heart of everything. Research makes a real difference to improving health outcomes and to the lives of patients and people in our communities.
Research is part of care
Research is part of care and provides the opportunity for patients and service users to access new treatments and services that will improve their health and wellbeing, or that of others in the future, and more widely contributes to reducing health inequalities in the general population. NHS organisations in Wales have a critical role to play in supporting research.
Health and Care Research Wales, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including NHS organisations in Wales, has developed a Research and Development (R&D) Framework (pdf), launched in the Welsh Health Circular (WHC/2023/026).
Research excellence
The Framework outlines what ‘research excellence looks like’ within NHS organisations in Wales where research is embraced, integrated into services, and is a core part of the organisation’s culture.
Each NHS organisation is responsible for local implementation, to achieve the features in the NHS R&D Framework so that collectively there is strong culture of research embeddedness across NHS Wales.
Embedding Research in the NHS Programme
To support local implementation, the Embedding Research in the NHS Programme was launched in 2024, and there are four national projects which are being led nationally to support local activity. These projects are:
- NHS R&D Framework Engagement project;
- Developing Clinical Academics project;
- Measuring the Economic Value and Impact of Research project; and
- Embedding Research into the NHS Workforce project
Key highlights from the Programme so far:
- The Embedding Research in the NHS Programme Steering Group was established and chaired by Suzanne Rankin, the CEO Research Champion for Wales
- Delivered a session at Welsh NHS Confederation Conference in November 2024 on Embedding Research in the NHS and a breakfast session at the same conference in November 2025 on how recent investments in commercial research delivery will improve patient outcomes
- A national survey was undertaken to identify clinical academics which resulted in more than 600 respondents
- Undertook a literature review on the relevant research and approaches to measuring the economic value and impact of research to NHS Wales
- Completed a series of interviews with key stakeholders to identify the economic value of research in Wales
Next steps:
- Finalise a standardised template for R&D webpages, with consistent messaging relating to research, and implement across NHS Wales
- Finalise script for ‘What is Research?’ video (currently in consultation) and launch the video
- Undertake YouGov survey to benchmark public perception of research
- Agree and launch adopted definition of Clinical Academics in Wales
- Develop and launch guidance on supporting Clinical Academics in Wales
- Collect & analyse data to measure the economic impact of research over 1-5 years
- Develop & publish project report & recommendations for measuring economic impact of research to NHS Wales
- Develop national guidance on job planning and allocation of research SPA time for medics in Wales
If you are interested in supporting research in your organisation contact your NHS R&D Board Champion, Research and Development Office or contact the Health and Care Research Wales national team for further information.
Research and Development Offices
News
Suzanne Rankin appointed as the first CEO Research Champion
Health and Care Research Wales publishes new Framework to embed and integrate research in the NHS