The RCP is calling for more research to be conducted in NHS trusts to support high quality patient care, with ‘protected time’ for doctors, nurses and other clinicians to undertake research projects.
In a statement entitled Delivering Research for All, launched today at Medicine 2019, the RCP points to evidence that research-active Trusts have improved outcomes for patients, as well as benefiting from improved staff morale and recruitment.
Research is a key part of the NHS England constitution and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has now included clinical research activity within its remit for trust inspections.
[...] evidence that research-active Trusts have improved outcomes for patients, as well as benefiting from improved staff morale and recruitment.
Professor Cheng-Hock Toh, RCP academic vice-president, said:
High-quality research in the NHS is everyone’s responsibility and every clinician should be involved in research in some way, whether identifying new opportunities, recruiting patients, supporting colleagues or leading trials themselves.
NHS trusts should increase their research activity and clinicians should be supported in pursuing research activity, so that more patients than ever have the opportunity to be involved with or benefit from clinical research.
In making its call, the RCP is celebrating the UK’s position as one of the best places in the world for investment in clinical research and is highlighting the fact that investment into NHS and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) activity can generate revenue for trusts and benefit the wider economy by creating employment opportunities.
Delivering Research for All includes recommendations for NHS trusts, clinicians, patients and health research facilitators (including the NIHR, CQC, General Medical Council, Health Research Authority, funders and universities). The statement has already been endorsed by several other Royal Colleges, plus other health organisations.
