Identifying the priorities for nurse and midwife-led research: a Delphi study involving staff and patients

Abstract

Background:

The National Health Service (England) strategic plans for research highlight the importance of aligning nurse and midwife-led research to public need. Whilst research priorities for healthcare are available for some specialisms of nursing and midwifery, there are no published data on the collective nursing, midwifery, and patient/carer research priorities aligned with operational care delivery priorities for a specific healthcare organisation.

Aim:

Identify nurse and midwife led-research priorities for one healthcare organisation in England.

Methods:

Using an online Delphi methodology, this project presents priorities for nurse and midwife-led research at one London hospital group in England.

Results:

The consensus process reduced an initial 275 ideas into a final 10 priorities, grouped under three categories: (a) Patient-reported priorities: Building healthy and therapeutic clinical environments; community services; challenging interactions between staff, patients, and families; clinical decision making/competence. (b) Workforce, education, and training: Staff well-being; career development and progression; workplace culture. (c) Clinical care delivery: Disparities and under-represented communities; patient and staff safety; mental healthcare and support.

Conclusion:

Findings will inform future nurse and midwife-led research locally and across the wider nursing and midwifery profession.

Keywords

Delphi midwifery nursing patients research surveys & questionnaires

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