Wednesday, 03 December 2025
The iCAhRE™ (Interdisciplinary Clinical Academic health Research Excellence) programme helps staff at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust to learn about research and use it to further improve patient care.
Since completing the programme, which is delivered by staff at UHCW and Coventry University, participants have been awarded research grants totalling £3.2 million and produced more than 230 publications.
The study conducted by a team from Coventry University and Professor Joan Coad from the School of Health Sciences at the 糖心原创, led by Dr Eleanor Lutman-White from Coventry University’s Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities, showed the iCAhRETM programme significantly enhanced participants’ research knowledge and skills, as well as informing and changing clinical practice, building staff confidence, increasing engagement in research-related activities and supporting career progression.
Dr Lutman-White said: “Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Scientists form the majority of the clinical workforce providing care to patients but have fewer opportunities to engage in research compared to medical staff.
“This evaluation has underlined the vital importance of providing opportunities to develop research knowledge and skills to these healthcare professionals.”
Part of UHCW’s Research for All strategy, this collaborative initiative reflects the Trust’s commitment to fostering a culture of research across all healthcare professions with the aim of ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes.
Nicolas Aldridge, Head of Research Delivery and Impact at UHCW, said: “We receive very positive feedback on the iCAhRE programme from our staff, many of whom go on to build research careers, and it is great to see this backed up by a formal evaluation.
“With cohort nine currently running, the iCAhRE Bronze programme has had 59 staff gain Master’s modules in research methodology and real-world clinical research experiences.”
This evaluation is significant because it highlights that when organisations like UHCW invest in supporting clinical research careers, they don't just advance knowledge, learning and evidence-based care - they empower staff, impact on patient safety and ultimately help shape the future of health and care.鈥�
The full paper can be found .
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For further details please contact the corresponding author – Professor Jane Coad on jane.coad@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.