South West Clinical Schools

Linking research with practice to improve patient outcomes across the region
nurse shows other trainees how to use the IV drip

Our main objectives are to:

  • Deliver high-quality research which supports the needs of the population and workforce in the South West and beyond.
  • Develop the capacity and capability for research within the workforce to enable evidence-based practice and inform quality improvement activity.
  • Support the leaders of health and social care professionals to develop their research workforce.
  • Embed a clear clinical academic career path to assist the transition from undergraduate student to senior research leadership roles.
  • Influence regional, national, and international decision-making within this arena, resulting in demonstrable impact.

What are the South West Clinical Schools?

The South West Clinical Schools are a collaboration between the University of Plymouth and health and social care organisations operating in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. The School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Health Professions lead this initiative which aims to support all health and social care professionals undertaking and supporting research.
We seek to overcome long-standing barriers to collaborative working across these sectors by supporting colleagues at all stages of their research careers, whether they are already involved in research or thinking about getting involved.
Our collaboration focuses on research important to health and social care services, across the life course, within families and communities, and strengthening the workforce.

The South West Clinical Schools cover Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and are hosted in the following six NHS Trusts:

South West Clinical Schools Leads

Our Research Community

Our research

Developing a research skilled workforce in the South West

This programme aims to support work that embeds research as the keystone that underpins excellent care and supports innovation. Medics have established programmes for research development within their career pathways. We want to create sustainable research skills, capacity, and capabilities for all health and care professionals. This includes building relationships, collaboration with Integrated Care Boards and provider organisations, identifying good practice, and rolling out supportive, sustainable structures.
Developing a research skilled workforce logo. Coloured lines show outline of the south of England. 
Senior couple being served meal by carer - Getty images

JBI model of evidence-based healthcare

JBI's approach to evidence-based healthcare is encompassed in the JBI Model of Evidence-based Healthcare.
The University of Plymouth is a JBI Centre of Excellence, of which Bridie Kent and Frazer Underwood are the directors. The JBI framework is a gold-standard for all aspects of evidence based healthcare, including all stages of healthcare research and is designed to improve healthcare practice and health outcomes.

Funding Opportunities | NIHR

View current funding opportunities with the NIHR. Use the filters on the left-hand side of the page to find the opportunities most relevant to you.
 

News highlights

Developing a research skilled workforce logo. Coloured lines show outline of the south of England. 
Call for Abstracts: Surfing The Wave: Transforming Services Through Research-skilled Practitioners: A Developing A Research Skilled Workforce Conference
Submission of abstracts closes at 23:59 on Sunday 17 November 2024. Conference details: Wednesday 2 April 2025, 09:30–16:00 | In-person | Plymouth
abstract medical pharmacy healthcare innovative concept background
9th South West Clinical School Conference, Tuesday 15 October 2024
We’re keen to encourage registrants to consider presenting their work. If you have completed a service evaluation, quality improvement project, clinical audit, or postgraduate research activity, please register to attend the workshop.
white background with text reading 'The Centre for Advancing Practice, Multi-professional practice-based research framework, first edition 2024'
Multi-professional Practice-based Research Capabilities Framework
The framework has been developed to clearly outline how practitioners can get involved in health and care research. It supports changes in health and care service delivery to better meet the needs and expectations of the people and communities we serve.
Nursing students on placement
Cornwall Clinical School asked to lead delivery for their local NMAHP Research Strategy | 3 July 2023
This multi-professional research strategy sets out across five themes context and ambition to inspire, support and develop staff from its acute, community, and specialist services.
South West Clinical School Journal
South West Clinical School Journal, an ever evolving story | 3 July 2023
The South West Clinical School Journal is published quarterly, the Journal shares the work of regional colleagues with a wider national and international audience.
The RAINCOAT study: Everyday walking in crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy
The RAINCOAT Study | September 2023
The RAINCOAT study aims to learn more about crouch gait during everyday walking. The study is inviting children aged 6-18 years both with and without cerebral palsy to take part from 15 May 2023 to 31 March 2024 at University of Plymouth.

More related news

Developing a Research Skilled Workforce conference
University spearheads work to develop health research skills

The Faculty of Health is working with NHS England South West to boost the number of research-active health and social care professionals

20 March 2024
 

How to be a clinical academic

Resources for anyone considering a career in this field

University of Plymouth Careers talks 2021
Considering a clinical academic career?
An introduction from the University of Plymouth’s clinical research team
HEE-NIHR pre-doctoral clinical academic fellowship scheme 2020
How to start your career as a clinical academic
A talk by Professor Jonathan Marsden, Professorship and Chair in Rehabilitation in the School of Health Professions
Nurse talking to young child and mother courtesy of Shutterstock
Becoming research active
Free webinars for nurses, allied health professionals and public health or local government members of staff interested in becoming research active