Workforce development

Traditionally there have been limited opportunities for health professionals outside of medicine and dentistry to become more research active, either by engaging with, supporting, or conducting research as part of everyday clinical practice. To increase these opportunities, the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STH) Nurse, Midwifery, Allied Health Professional (NMAHP) and Health Professionals Research Internship Programme, was established. More information on the programme can be found on the Clinical Research and Innovation Office website.

In 2022, budding researchers were invited to apply for six STH Healthcare Professionals Research Internship Programme secondment placements, which were partly funded by the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield. This was the first year this funding had been available, and the first cohort celebrated their graduation in September 2023.

The focus of these internships is to develop new skills, increase understanding of clinical research and the difference it can make and to be supported to design, plan and undertake a research project focused on improving care. The size and ambition of the respective research project can be tailored to the individual candidate.

In addition, in 2022, a CRF research sister was successful in securing the Chief Nurse Research Internship. The Chief Nurse Research Internship is open to applications from all registered nurses and midwives who are working within the Trust. The nature and scope of the internship is set by the Chief Nurse and will reflect Trust and local population priorities for health and wellbeing.

By encouraging and supporting staff to apply for these opportunities, the NIHR CRF: Sheffield aims to grow highly skilled researchers and research leaders. This will enable us to deliver better care and pathways for our patients and enhance staff retention.

You can find some highlights from the most recent internship graduates below.