Developing a clinical academic career pathway in a Community and Mental Health NHS Trust

Background: Despite growing evidence of the impact that clinical academic (CA) staff have on patient care and clinical practice, there are disproportionately low numbers of nurses, allied health professionals (AHPs) and other healthcare professionals in CA joint roles, compared to their medical colleagues. Aim: To describe the initial development of a CA career pathway for nurses, AHPs and other healthcare professionals in a Community and Mental Health NHS Trust. Methods: Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model was used to expand opportunities and research culture across an NHS Trust. Results: A variety of capacity and capability initiatives at different academic levels were created to support CA development and to complement those available externally. These opportunities were underpinned by a research and development strategy, senior leadership buy-in, manager and clinical staff support, and targeted organisation-wide communication. Conclusion: The ongoing development of innovative CA opportunities in the Trust, alongside greater support for staff interested in pursuing CA careers, has resulted in a growing number of individuals successful in developing as CAs. This has led to a growth in research culture in the organisation and a greater understanding of what CA staff can bring to patient care, the clinical service and the wider organisation.