Throughout October, we're showcasing our Nottinghamshire Healthcare colleagues, and the path they have taken into research. To discover Your Path in Research, visit the National Institute of Health Research website for information and inspiration.
Lorna is a Clinical Research Nurse at the John Eastwood Hospice, working alongside colleagues in the Research Delivery Team. Here, she explains how she became involved in research, the challenges she's faced and the impact research has on patients.
Who or what inspired you to get involved in research
Initially I was asked to carry out some auditing, but I became intrigued about the research that had started at John Eastwood Hospice with Dr Alpna Chauhan (consultant in palliative care). Dr Chauhan inspired me to take this new job opportunity in 2011 - she showed such passion for research. I wanted to contribute to research that would help our patients with problems such as symptom management.
How has working on research projects changed your day to day practice?
Certain research studies have steered my focus, such as wanting to involve the patient and their loved ones in research so they can benefit from more effective treatment and better outcomes.
Did you face any challenges when you wanted to get involved in research?
Initially some staff were reluctant to be involved with research, however over the years this has changed - the staff are more positive regarding the concept of research and how it can change / improve patient care. I had the support of Alpna Chauhan from the very beginning which helped me so much to gain my confidence and competence.
How have you involved patients in your research?
Through small presentations that will start in November 2021, to the Living Well Centre based at JEH. Involving other multi disciplinary team members who inform the patients about certain studies that we have here at the hospice really helps. We use social media, facebook and twitter, and posters are placed to show what studies the patient / carers can be involved in. We have been awarded a grant recently for Patient and Public Incolvement, which we are in the process of setting up.
How would you encourage your colleagues to get involved with research?
Regular presentations to show how active we are with the studies, showing our recruitment figures. We emphasise we could not achieve these outcomes without their contribution and involvement. Regular newsletters are sent to all staff members via email. Students also spend time with us, to encourage them to be involved in the research world.
What's your research ambition?
To ensure our study targets are met and exceeded if possible. To maintain and improve standards of holistic care, involving the patient / carers in this process.
How does research make a difference to the NHS (or to your service?)
Through collaboration and networking, we can spread our progress and share our success alongside the challenges we have encountered in research. Research drives quality and improvement in treatment - it is vital in providing the evidence we require to improve outcomes and our services in palliative care. Research can and does help patients make informed decisions in their care and treatment - it makes such a difference.
To discover what your path in research might be, take a look online or email