Key Features of Successful Research-Related Roles for Nurses and Midwives in out of Hospital Settings: A Mixed Methods Approach

Louise Wolstenholme; Mary Alvarez; Ruth Endacott; Declan Robinson; Catherine Henshall

doi:10.1111/jan.70021

Key Features of Successful Research-Related Roles for Nurses and Midwives in out of Hospital Settings: A Mixed Methods Approach

J Adv Nurs. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.1111/jan.70021. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Louise Wolstenholme^{1

2}, Mary Alvarez³, Ruth Endacott¹, Declan Robinson¹, Catherine Henshall^{1

4}

Affiliations

¹ National Institute of Health & Care Research, Nursing & Midwifery, London, UK.
² Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.
³ North Bristol NHS Trust, The Chilterns, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.
⁴ Oxford Institute for Applied Health Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.

PMID: 40590352
DOI: 10.1111/jan.70021

Abstract

Aim: To explore the views of health care professionals involved in initiatives that have led to successful research-related roles for nurses and midwives working in community settings.

Design: A sequential mixed-methods study.

Methods: Between December 2022 and January 2023 a survey was completed by health care professionals with relevant experience of successful research-related initiatives for nurses and midwives in community settings. Survey responses were categorised into low, medium or high-priority examples of productive practice. Nineteen of the twenty responders who provided high-priority examples were interviewed between May and July 2023. The research capacity development for impact framework underpinned data collection and analysis. Data were thematically analysed using the framework method.

Results: The seven themes of the research capacity development for impact framework: leadership and sustainability, skills and confidence building, infrastructures, linkages and collaborations, ownership and responsibilities, actionable dissemination and co-production were identified as important features of successful research-related roles in community settings. A new cross-cutting theme of trust and relationships was generated. The initiation, continued growth and ambition continuum guided the development of the planning change and features of success template.

Conclusion: This study highlighted the key features that matter when planning change and developing research-related roles for nurses and midwives in community settings.

Impact: Study findings have the potential to inform policy and practice for organisations focused on developing research capacity and capability in community settings.

Reporting method: This study adhered to the COREQ reporting guidelines.

Patient and public involvement: No patient or public involvement.

Keywords: community; midwives; nurses; research capacity building; settings; the research capacity development for impact framework.

Grants and funding

NIHR Nursing & Midwifery