Innovate & Integrate: Strengthening Research Capabilities of Mental Health Nursing Workforce- A Qualitative Evaluation of Research Training Series

Abstract

Background: The Development of research capacity and the integration of research are considered internationally recognised health care priorities because of their benefits to consumers, clinicians, organisations, and society in general. Despite this, nurses are not extensively involved in research, and the most frequent barriers found are the lack of time and knowledge regarding research. To address this gap, the Mental Health Nursing Professional Development (MHNPD) team at a metropolitan hospital, in collaboration with a university partner, developed the ‘Innovate & Integrate: Research Training Series’ for Mental Health Nurses. Aim: To evaluate the impact of the Research Training Series on the research practices of mental health nurses. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological research design was used. Participants who attended the research training series participated in focus group interviews to evaluate the training. Collected data (transcribed verbatim) was analysed by using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. Results: Seven key themes emerged from the analysis - 1. Research awareness and Motivation for attending the research series, 2. Even small- scale activities can be research, 3. Access to the resources available within the organization, 4. Understanding research pathways, 5. Implementing knowledge into practice, 6. Incremental cultural change rather than immediate transformation, and 7. Overall experience of the training. Conclusion: The research training Series emerged as a significant program in enhancing research capacity among mental health nurses in terms of knowledge, confidence, and early research involvement. However, long-lasting cultural transformation within an organisation requires dedicated resources.