Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme
Abstract Introduction Research impact is defined as an effect, change or benefit to the wider society or services beyond academia. Measuring impact demonstrates benefit and value for money of publicly-funded research. This study evaluates differing levels of impact associated with completion of the...
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12584-1 |
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| author | Florence Cook Nicky Gilbody Jenny Hunt Zoe Knight Heulwen Sheldrick Lisa Houghton Caroline Ewers Michael Caygill Holly Speight Irwin Nazareth Roganie Govender |
| author_facet | Florence Cook Nicky Gilbody Jenny Hunt Zoe Knight Heulwen Sheldrick Lisa Houghton Caroline Ewers Michael Caygill Holly Speight Irwin Nazareth Roganie Govender |
| author_sort | Florence Cook |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Research impact is defined as an effect, change or benefit to the wider society or services beyond academia. Measuring impact demonstrates benefit and value for money of publicly-funded research. This study evaluates differing levels of impact associated with completion of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Associate Principal Investigator (PI) scheme on SIP SMART2 (Swallowing Intervention Package - Self Monitoring, Assessment & Rehabilitation Training 2); cluster-randomised multi-centre phase II trial with a focus on Prehabilitation of swallowing in head and neck cancer. Methods Data was acquired using two qualitative methods: Reflective virtual discussion group and documentary evidence based on the individual portfolios/checklists of eight accredited Associate PIs. Framework analysis and the evidence of impact model was employed for analysis. Results High level impact was identified on the micro level, with evidence of individual learning and sense of pride in becoming an accredited Associate PI. Medium to high level impact was found at the meso level including taking a leading role in research delivery within own organisations and raising professional profiles amongst the wider team. There were limited examples directly demonstrating macro level impact. Conclusion The Associate PI scheme provides opportunities for professional groups that otherwise might not be involved in clinical trials, promoting equality and inclusiveness with benefits across multiple levels of impact. The current checklist of activities is designed to demonstrate competence in clinical trial delivery and may not currently capture the wider benefits and impact of the scheme. These could be better captured with some additions to the checklist including follow-up on potential impacts accrued beyond the 6-month timefame. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2201356a4d2d4412aa4f2e291b6873ea |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-2201356a4d2d4412aa4f2e291b6873ea2025-08-20T01:51:28ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-05-012511910.1186/s12913-025-12584-1Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator schemeFlorence Cook0Nicky Gilbody1Jenny Hunt2Zoe Knight3Heulwen Sheldrick4Lisa Houghton5Caroline Ewers6Michael Caygill7Holly Speight8Irwin Nazareth9Roganie Govender10Head & Neck Centre, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation TrustNorth Middlesex University Hospital NHS TrustLuton and Dunstable Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLuton and Dunstable Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustThe Clatterbridge Cancer CentreLiverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree HospitalSouth Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland Royal HospitalSouth Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland Royal HospitalNational Institute for Health and Care Research Associate Principal Investigator SchemeDepartment Primary Care & Population Health, University College LondonHead & Neck Centre, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation TrustAbstract Introduction Research impact is defined as an effect, change or benefit to the wider society or services beyond academia. Measuring impact demonstrates benefit and value for money of publicly-funded research. This study evaluates differing levels of impact associated with completion of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Associate Principal Investigator (PI) scheme on SIP SMART2 (Swallowing Intervention Package - Self Monitoring, Assessment & Rehabilitation Training 2); cluster-randomised multi-centre phase II trial with a focus on Prehabilitation of swallowing in head and neck cancer. Methods Data was acquired using two qualitative methods: Reflective virtual discussion group and documentary evidence based on the individual portfolios/checklists of eight accredited Associate PIs. Framework analysis and the evidence of impact model was employed for analysis. Results High level impact was identified on the micro level, with evidence of individual learning and sense of pride in becoming an accredited Associate PI. Medium to high level impact was found at the meso level including taking a leading role in research delivery within own organisations and raising professional profiles amongst the wider team. There were limited examples directly demonstrating macro level impact. Conclusion The Associate PI scheme provides opportunities for professional groups that otherwise might not be involved in clinical trials, promoting equality and inclusiveness with benefits across multiple levels of impact. The current checklist of activities is designed to demonstrate competence in clinical trial delivery and may not currently capture the wider benefits and impact of the scheme. These could be better captured with some additions to the checklist including follow-up on potential impacts accrued beyond the 6-month timefame.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12584-1Clinical trialAssociate PIAllied health professionalsCapacity buildingImpact assessment modelClinical trial delivery |
| spellingShingle | Florence Cook Nicky Gilbody Jenny Hunt Zoe Knight Heulwen Sheldrick Lisa Houghton Caroline Ewers Michael Caygill Holly Speight Irwin Nazareth Roganie Govender Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme BMC Health Services Research Clinical trial Associate PI Allied health professionals Capacity building Impact assessment model Clinical trial delivery |
| title | Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme |
| title_full | Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme |
| title_fullStr | Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme |
| title_full_unstemmed | Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme |
| title_short | Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme |
| title_sort | demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the nihr associate principal investigator scheme |
| topic | Clinical trial Associate PI Allied health professionals Capacity building Impact assessment model Clinical trial delivery |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12584-1 |
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