Evaluation of the First Phase of the Lothian NMAHP Clinical Academic Research Careers Scheme

Background: The Clinical Academic Research Careers (CARC) Scheme for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHPs) in Lothian was launched in 2010, as part of the NHS Lothian NMAHP Research Framework. It is funded and managed by a partnership between NHS Lothian, NHS Education for Scotland (NES), and three University partners in Edinburgh.
Aim: To evaluate the processes involved in setting up and managing the scheme, and the outcomes to date.
Method: A mixed method approach was used to evaluate the Scheme between June and September 2013. This included a document review, observation, questionnaire for post-holders and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Data was analysed using framework analysis. A total of 27 interviews were conducted with post-holders (4); steering group members (8); management group members (6); demonstration site staff (8) and one external stakeholder.
Findings: Progress has been made against specified outcome measures, in terms of conducting research studies, accessing additional research funding, dissemination and training. According to stakeholders, success factors included having good academic and clinical support, opportunities for research training, development of stronger working relationships between partner organisations, supporting research focused on practice development, and providing a basis upon which to build clinical academic pathways for NMAHPs and support further research capacity and capability. Challenges included balancing clinical and academic demands on time, recruitment of post-holders, and aligning expectations of academic and clinical partners.
Discussion: The CARC scheme has evolved considerably since its launch in 2010. It has addressed a number of initial problems, and is making good progress, with on-going support from all partner organisations. The scheme has demonstrated sufficient flexibility to overcome problems as they have arisen, and provides a model that could be implemented elsewhere.
Conclusions: Lessons learnt from the Lothian scheme could usefully inform other areas looking to establish similar schemes.