Developing a consolidated research framework for clinical allied health professionals practising in the UK

Harris, J., Grafton, K. & Cooke, J. Developing a consolidated research framework for clinical allied health professionals practising in the UK. BMC Health Serv Res 20, 852 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05650-3

"Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) form a significant part of the healthcare workforce [in UK] and have great potential to improve services through research and research-informed practice. However, there is a lack of tradition in research embedded in practice in these professional groups. Barriers include clinical caseload pressures, a lack of sustainable training and consequent lack of confidence in practitioners. Practice managers are ill-equipped to monitor and guide staff research development. The modern healthcare system is a multi-disciplinary environment focused on the needs of the patient. A common framework across all AHP disciplines, offering equality in research knowledge and skills and shared language, might be helpful in planning and developing clinical career pathways. Our aim is to develop a consolidated research framework to help AHPs to plan and guide research activity throughout their career."