Activity of research funders in relation to key aspects of nursing research and development in Northern Ireland.

The dearth of health service researchers may be considered a threat to the R&D programme in health and social services. A vicious circle has been identified in which few well-qualified nurse researchers are available and thus both quality and quantity of outcomes are compromised (cited in CPNR et al, 2002). This paper forms part of a larger study ‘Using and Doing: Guiding the future’ -commissioned by the DHSSPS in Northern Ireland. It aims to further develop nursing R&D within Northern Ireland since the publication of the position paper by McKenna & Mason in 1998. The focus of this paper is a qualitative analysis of the role played by research funders in the development of nursing research. The Research & Development Office for the HPSS and members of the AMRC who either expressed and interest in, or were actively involved in, funding nursing-led research in Northern Ireland were invited to take part in a structured interview. A total of five representatives from funding bodies participated. Research activity was evaluated in relation to six key themes: strategy development, partnership working, building capacity, infrastructure, research in practice and outcome assessment. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis was conducted. The funders had difficulty in quantifying the level of funding on a profession-specific basis. All interviewees were highly supportive of nursing’s potential contribution and had nurses on senior boards/governing committees. Although some funding was evidenced by the charities, only the R&D Office had evidence of substantial research funding. Futhermore, two out of five said that they had strategic initiatives for nursing and encouraged input from nurses in deciding research priorities. The findings of this study will help focus the profession to address current shortcomings and under-exploitation with regard to research grant acquisition.