PRIORITY project
The PRIORITY project, commissioned by Wales’ Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Allied Health Professions Adviser and Director of Health and Care Research Wales, developed an action plan to increase capacity and capability for doing and using research in the nursing, midwifery and 13 allied healthcare professions.
Research-led practice has a significant positive outcome for patients and embedding research throughout health and social care is a key element of Health and Care Research Wales’ NHS R&D Framework, which was published in 2023.
The action plan has been co-produced with the professions, health boards and trusts, as well as universities, who will have an opportunity to share current capacity and tackle barriers to undertaking research in their roles and within the NHS and social care.
It takes a workforce and system-wide approach to ensure nurses, midwives and allied health professionals are able to access, embrace and value research, as well as build a research talent pipelines for Wales.
Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Professor Sue Tranka 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.”
Chief Allied Health Professions Adviser, Ruth Crowder 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.”
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.”
The 13 Allied Health Professions comprise art therapists, drama therapists, music therapists, podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, orthoptists, prosthetists and orthotists, paramedics, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists. Each profession is registered and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council and works across all parts of the health and social care system and with people of all ages.
Read the full report on the Welsh Government website.