11 First steps in research-pre doctoral NIHR fellowships at GOSH. (23rd February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Livermore, Polly; Kelly, Paula; Turner, Laura
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 108(2023)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A4
• Page End: A5
• Publication Date: 2023-02-23
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-gosh.11
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Opportunities for non-medical staff to pursue clinical research and train as clinical academics have historically lagged behind medical and dental colleagues. This is despite recognition that these health professionals provide specific perspectives and knowledge to identify and investigate health care issues effectively for patient benefit. The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) supports translational research throughout the hospital in a highly effective collaboration with its academic partner the Institute of Child Health University College London. It also has a unique role in supporting clinical academic careers for non -medical professionals, providing infrastructure and funding to enable successful applications for grant funding fellowships. In recognition of the challenges in making transitions from master's level research training to successful doctoral funding applications for health care professionals, the NIHR introduced the pre doctoral fellowship programme (PCAF) to its ICA (Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic Programme) pathway. Since 2018 13 GOSH staff have been awarded an NIHR PCAF including three nurses, three health care scientists, two speech and language therapists, two physiotherapists, one dietician, pharmacist and radiographer. These highly competitive awards provide full funding for the awardee's salary, research supervisor stipend and a bespoke research and development training programme. Fellows can undertake two routes: standard over twelve months or bridge over 6 months. This presentation will illustrate the range of research investigations PCAF fellows at GOSH have undertaken during their fellowships, demonstrating their achievements and potential as future research leaders. We will provide examples of innovative patient and public involvement and engagement activities, skills critical for high quality patient focused research and securing future research funding. Critical feedback from current and past fellows will be illustrated as a practical guide to successful fellowship applications that aspiring clinical academics can draw on to achieve their own clinical research ambitions.