Nursing and midwifery research in England: Working towards establishing a dedicated fund

Abstract

This paper considers the case for establishing a strategic fund for research in nursing, midwifery and health visiting, and for building capacity in the field. It reviews the key policy documents and staging posts in the process and argues that both professional push and policy pull factors have provided the key catalyst for change. The role and responsibilities of nurses, midwives and health visitors are increasing in the light of government policies and professional aspirations. An appropriate evidence base is essential to understanding, undertaking, commissioning and implementing research. Research capacity-building needs to be integrated into wider strategic plans for the profession, as well as R&D policy per se. Establishing a fund to develop high-calibre research is only the beginning of a much longer process to give nursing research greater influence. Researchers, educators, managers and clinicians need to join forces to build strong communities and strengthen their links with patient and user groups. However, the investment in nursing and midwifery R&D will have failed if it benefits the professional community only. Patient care needs to be part of what could be termed 'payback' for investment and it is essential to develop an evaluation strategy capable of measuring a range of impacts from the outset.