An innovative approach to facilitating nursing research.

Background: Competing demands on the clinical time of nurses and midwives presents challenges to developing a research active culture. Aim: To engage nurses and midwives in a trust-wide research project. Method: A needs assessment of the local obstacles to participating in research was undertaken and a nursing and midwifery research strategy developed by representatives from clinical, research and academic departments. Following consultation with nursing and midwifery groups, an infection control research project was initiated and participatory workshops established. Findings: In total 50 nurses and midwives contributed to questionnaire design, data collection and analysis. Initial results were discussed at nursing/midwifery forums and presented at a newly formed grand round. Overall there were 573 nursing and midwifery contacts throughout the research process. Conclusions: This approach to facilitating nursing and midwifery research across an NHS trust has enabled large numbers of clinical staff to experience and contribute to a 'live' research project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]