Healthcare professionals are creative problem solvers, who are involved in advancing practice and able to improve clinical outcomes.
However, there is a need to strengthen their research skills, including the ability to move creative ideas forward, so that others can replicate innovations that will enhance clinical or administrative practices.
Healthcare research within nursing and allied health professions lag behind that of the medical profession, due primarily to the lack of research opportunities early on in careers, so enhancement of opportunities can enable this group to maximise their potential in transforming healthcare.
The South West Clinical School aims to address these issues at a local and regional level, with outputs also targeted to conferences and journals with a national and international reach.
The research activities are conducted through the Innovations in Patient Care and Quality (ImPACT) research group.