The Welsh Government has commissioned a new research action plan for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, dieticians, occupational therapists, and paramedics. The plan is designed to embed research in the daily practice of these professionals. Harnessing their shared skills and knowledge will help improve policy, enhance practice, and transform patient outcomes. The new plan has an emphasis on ‘research for everyone’, from student to consultant practitioner.

Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care has said: ‘Improving health and social care services in Wales using evidence-based approaches is fundamental to improving the quality of care. Research is key in generating that evidence base, to drive improvements in health and social care services and to lay the foundations for better outcomes for patients, people and communities.

‘Research will provide opportunities for workforce development and enhanced job roles, which helps with recruitment and retention, as well as developing leaders and critical thinkers.

‘I am delighted this research action plan, commissioned by Wales’ Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Allied Health Professions Adviser, outlines actions to improve practice, build capacity and capability, and will ultimately lead to better outcomes for people who need healthcare.’

Read the plan here.  For more information, visit the Health and Care Research Wales website.