Study Confirms Lasting Benefits of iCAhRE Program for NHS Staff

A recent study has confirmed the long-term positive impact of the iCAhRE (Interdisciplinary Clinical Academic health Research Excellence) program on healthcare professionals at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust. This initiative, designed to enhance research knowledge among staff, has successfully contributed to improved patient care.

The iCAhRE program, a collaboration between UHCW and Coventry University, equips participants with the skills necessary to integrate research into their clinical practice. Since its inception, participants have secured research grants totaling £3.2 million and have produced over 230 publications, showcasing the program’s effectiveness.

Evaluation Highlights Program’s Success

The evaluation study was led by Dr. Eleanor Lutman-White from Coventry University’s Research Center for Healthcare and Communities, in collaboration with a team from Coventry University and Professor Joan Coad from the School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham. The findings revealed that the iCAhRE program significantly enhanced participants’ research knowledge and skills, positively influencing their clinical practice.

Dr. Lutman-White emphasized the importance of providing research opportunities to nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, and healthcare scientists, who represent a significant portion of the clinical workforce. She stated, “This evaluation has underlined the vital importance of providing opportunities to develop research knowledge and skills to these healthcare professionals.”

The study’s results highlight a profound shift in engagement among participants, with increased confidence in their research capabilities and a notable rise in their involvement in research-related activities. This has also facilitated career progression for many individuals within the Trust.

Commitment to Research and Patient Care

Nicolas Aldridge, Head of Research Delivery and Impact at UHCW, expressed pride in the outcomes of the iCAhRE program. He noted, “We receive very positive feedback on the iCAhRE program from our staff, many of whom go on to build research careers, and it is great to see this backed up by a formal evaluation.”

Currently, cohort nine of the iCAhRE Bronze program is underway, with 59 staff members having gained Master’s modules in research methodology alongside practical clinical research experiences. This initiative is part of UHCW’s broader Research for All strategy, which aims to foster an inclusive research culture across all healthcare professions, ultimately benefiting patient care and outcomes.

The findings from this evaluation are documented in the journal BMC Medical Education. The study titled, “A mixed methods evaluation of a facilitated research career pathway for nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and healthcare scientists working in the NHS,” will contribute to ongoing discussions about the importance of research in healthcare settings.

For further reading, the study can be accessed via DOI: 10.1186/s12909-025-07982-2.