Opportunities to grow and share knowledge through research and development for healthcare professionals
As NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (NIHR ARC-GM) continues in our mission to deliver health research training to local health populations, one of our 35 Research Interns shares her experience of gaining exposure to a wider perspective and experience in the research community and having the opportunity to support systematic reviews with other Interns.
NIHR ARC-GM has supported health and social care professionals from across our regional health care system - from speech and language therapists to pharmacists, nurses to physiotherapists, we work with local partner organisations to build capacity and capability in applied health and social care research and evaluation.
What is capacity building?
Capacity building refers to the process of developing and strengthening the skills, processes and resources that organisations and individuals need to adapt and thrive in our fast-changing world.
Loraine Gillespie, Head of Nutrition & Dietetics at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust undertook a Research Internship with NIHR ARC-GM.
Loraine shared her experience of her training and development journey and what she gained from participating in the programme: “Prior to the Research Internship I had some experience as a research dietitian on a number of studies. This gave me an insight into the research process and a good understanding of the Good Clinical Practice through training and experience. The final catalyst for starting my research journey was following a pilot service improvement and evaluation on an ambulatory enteral feeding care model for head and neck patients. Seeing the positive impact on clinical outcomes and patient experience has given me the drive and passion to embed more research into my role and into the dietetic service.
“Since the Research Internship I have gained a thirst for knowledge and developed research skills by completing the Critical Appraisal and Evidence Synthesis MRes module and I am now completing another module on qualitative analysis. This has given me more confidence to put my skills into practice by creating research skills sessions for my team. I am looking forward to developing and leading my own research projects. I would encourage anyone thinking about applying for a Research Internship to do it! It is a fabulous opportunity to gain insight into the world of research.
“At the start of your Research Internship, you meet with your supervisor and develop a plan of what you want to achieve over the 12 months. We are all at different stages of the research journey and so being able to have a Research Internship specific to your learning needs is invaluable.
“Research is the cornerstone of developing and improving future healthcare. It enables us to pursue better outcomes but also improves the patient experience and journey.”
As well as NHS Trusts, professionals from other public organisations such as Bury Council, BHA for Equality in Health and Social Care, the North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and more have taken part in ourtraining and development programmes.
Research Internship opportunities are still available in the Greater Manchester area, supported by The University of Manchester, with entry-level opportunities totalling 225 protected hours for professionals from a variety of backgrounds to explore applied health and care research. The opportunities are designed to be flexible to suit each Research Intern’s needs, whilst also including elements of structured training and the opportunity to contribute to research activity.
To find out more about Research Internships, visit https://arc-gm.nihr.ac.uk/hcp-internship