The development of a fledgling research network

1. James Law Director Centre for Integrated Healthcare Research The development of afledgling research network Scottish NHS Research Day “Crossing Boundaries in Clinical Research” – Royal College of Physicians – 14th March 2005

2. SHEFC, NHS Scotland and the CSO agreed to invest heavily [c8m] in the research of nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions It was agreed to fund three consortia - in the North, South/East and West of Scotland. The CIHR is the consortium with a remit for the South and East of Scotland The CIHR in context

3. To improve the infrastructure of nursing, midwifery and allied health professions research across the three HEIs in Edinburgh, and to enhance its capability and capacity in conjunction with the NHS in Lothian, Borders and Lanarkshire. To facilitate and carry out research projects with relevance to Scottish priorities in healthcare, grouped under three programmes of research – which are… The aims of the CIHR

4. Maximising recovery from acute illness and trauma (University of Edinburgh) Early years and parenting (Queen Margaret University College) Improving the management of enduring conditions (Napier University) The programmes of research

5. Intervention and systematic review Mental health and quality of life Public health In addition there will be a series of priority themes for the CIHR (provisional only)

6. Early years and parenting Maximising the recovery from acute illness and trauma Improving the management of enduring conditions

7. NHS Lothians Borders Lanarkshire

8. NHS Lothians Borders Lanarkshire Mental health and quality of life Public health Intervention and systematic review

9. Other networks in Scotland, UK and Internationally Other consortia in Scotland NHS Lothians Borders Lanarkshire

10. Other networks in Scotland, UK and Internationally Other consortia in Scotland Changing external agendas NHS Lothians Borders Lanarkshire

11. Context needs to be properly mapped out and the partners singing from the same hymn sheet; Clear vision of what is wanted from the centre; Appointment of an appropriate director who is not over identified with one party or other; The vision is refined into aims and objectives with achievable timescales; Ongoing input to the centre from other research networks; Regular testing of the functionality of the network and lastly… a little pump priming money helps. The key features of a successful network

12. One of the key first steps is reconnecting with all those involved in the development process Explaining progress towards the original vision and laying out the timetable so that people know what they can expect Engaging with people’s research interests and indicating whether the centre will be able to contribute or not. Avoiding the danger of being all things to all men (and causing widespread frustration) Delivering on this timetable – ie making sure that you overcome a popular anxiety that initiatives are top down and temporary. And what about the networking?

13. The CIHR is a classic example of an interactive network with the component parts engaging freely with one another. Success will be determined by the number of novel connections and the increased frequency of connections. Its aim is to facilitate and there is no need for a hierarchical or vertically integrated management system. Although power and influence are central constructs in any management system the extent to which power applies to the CIHR is very limited. Ultimately it is the influence of the centre which will determine its success. Like all successful networks it will succeed by communicating a vision and drawing others in to realise that vision. Final thoughts