The first Community Nursing Research Community of Practice for the UK was initiated as an editorial in this journal in February 2022 (Bowers and Evans, 2022). It was a nascent idea; a tentative assembling of a community to support, nurture and advance community-based nurse research. It brought together nurses who are keen to lead and contribute to research on healthcare and generate high-quality evidence to drive clinical effectiveness. The idea quickly took root with members joining from across primary care and community nursing in the UK, who engaged in research and development activities through the Community of Practice. The timing aligned with the vision and commitments set out in the Chief Nursing Officer for England's strategic plan for research (NHS England, 2021). The vision included, ‘building nurse-related research capacity and capability to achieve system-wide leadership and better co-ordination across the research and practice community’.
One year on, we have been able to create an inclusive, diverse and dynamic community of nurses. The community comprises 439 members (to-date) that encompasses novices to experts in research, from childhood to adulthood nursing specialties across community and primary healthcare. We invite you to join us.
The community has grown to form the Community Nursing Research Forum, hosted by the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI). The Forum is a platform to collaborate with partners, including the Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland, NHS England, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), International Collaboration for Community Health Nursing Research, and colleagues from many different health and social care providers, universities, organisations and charities. The key priorities are connecting people, collaborating and breaking down barriers to increase exposure and engagement with research in practice. We are supporting members to develop their research skills and network, providing opportunities for nurses to contribute to research studies, and implement and use high-quality evidence in clinical care.
Despite the steady increase in government-funded schemes in the four nations to support clinical academic careers and research activity, community and primary care nurse-led research remains very under-represented (Bowers and Evans, 2022). Historically, there have been limited opportunities to get involved in research (NHS England, 2021). According to data provided to the authors by the NIHR, only 37 nurse-held NIHR fellowships, clinical lectureships and development and skills enhancement awards detailed an evident focus on researching care and treatment in community settings over the last 10 years in England; nurses working in any settings represented 8.3% of total award holders during this 10-year period (NIHR, 2023). There are also other funders of applied health and care research. The NIHR, other funders and academic organisations in the four nations are actively raising the profile of community-based nursing research and opportunities to develop skills and careers. Nonetheless, these figures indicate that building research capacity in nursing is vital for nurse-led interdisciplinary research.
The Forum is for nurses to learn about and share research, access peer support, network and build community and primary care nurse-led research activity. The Forum is open to UK-based nurses who work in all community settings, regardless of specialities and the populations they serve. The map of our membership at the end of 2022 shows how we are bringing like-minded nurses together (Figure 1). This includes nurses working in community services, general practice, adult social care, homeless and inclusion health services, hospices, prisons, children's services, public health, community learning disabilities and mental health services, among many others.
Inclusivity and an encouraging environment are essential; the Forum is an inclusive, supportive and curious community. This helps break down barriers of isolation and uncertainty for nurses to engage in research and navigate research pathways in their clinical careers, connecting with like-minded peers and role models. Members of the Forum include colleagues seeking to increase their research awareness and confidence to use high-quality evidence in their clinical practice, nurses wanting to undertake research for the first time, as well as aspiring leaders in research and those already leading and co-leading programmes of research and education.
The Forum has constructed initiatives and resources to support and nurture success, encompassing research exposure, education and engagement. This includes a series of 1-hour research masterclasses delivered by internationally leading researchers, covering topics such as writing for publication, qualitative data analysis and planning and navigating research ethical approvals. Upcoming Forum webinars will focus on developing research careers and engaging with underserved communities, including Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showpeople communities. The Forum webpage resources include members' profiles, with tips and advice on navigating diverse research-related career pathways, a growing collection of research resources, and a unique repository of research funding and training opportunities.
There are several high-quality research mentorship schemes provided by organisations to support the growth of nurse-led research. However, many of these are exclusive for individuals already holding research fellowships, undertaking academic training, or for academics. To help develop and nurture aspiring community-based researchers, we have just launched a Forum Mentorship Scheme for nurses seeking to pursue research in their career pathway. The scheme links mentees with more experienced mentors to help them develop and achieve their potential.
Our approach is creative and innovative, focusing on collaboration and networking for community-based nurse-led research and engagement to flourish. Next steps for the Forum include facilitating more opportunities for nurses to get involved in research, strengthening networks in nursing research and building expertise to use high-quality evidence in clinical practice. We are currently seeking to secure long-term funding to support members' development and Forum activities.
Please join the Forum and help to shape our inclusive, dynamic community: www.qni.org.uk/nursing-in-the-community/community-nursing-research-forum