#WhyWeDoResearch: Raising research awareness and opportunities for patients, public and staff through Twitter

Abstract

The #WhyWeDoResearch campaign was set up in 2014 and was originally planned to run locally, in Norfolk, at the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (JPUH) for 12 days in December. Within four days, the campaign was being utilized nationally by other trusts and charities. By the New Year of 2015 it became international and had reached Australia and Canada. The intended audience for the campaign is broad and includes: patients, the general public, all staff working in health care and/or research including (but not limited to) National Health Service (NHS), commercial companies, charities and schools. The campaign has become a community where patients, staff and public alike can share their voices about health research on an equal playing field. Each year, to coincide with International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) on 20 May, a #WhyWeDoResearch 'Tweetfest' is hosted. This includes a number of 'tweetchats' at set times throughout the Tweetfest. Tweetchats are hosted by experts in particular diseases or other areas. Patients and patient groups are included in this group of experts. This article uses the #WhyWeDoResearch campaign annual Tweetfest to demonstrate how social media can be utilized to raise awareness of health research around the world.

Implementing a novel programme for nurses and allied health professionals to develop capacity for evidence-informed clinical practice

“…By delivering the programme in the workplace, and providing mentoring, the EiP programme overcame many of the traditional barriers (lack of access, skills and time) to participating in continuous professional development opportunities (Black et al, 2015;McCance et al, 2006). Presentations and formats that are user-friendly and engaging can facilitate dissemination of research evidence (Black et al, 2015;Yhnell et al, 2019). The masterclass tutorial structure, topics and intended learning outcomes enabled attendees to apply learnings immediately and check their understanding of concepts with peers and with the tutors, and engage in active thinking through think-pair-share strategies (Kaddoura, 2013).…”

“…A narrative for the visual summary was developed collaboratively with the illustrator to ensure that the key messages were teachable and accessible to a diverse audience. The aim with this activity was to create a 'bite-size', accessible summary, which staff could readily read and understand (Yhnell et al, 2019).…”

“…Considering how the audience might engage, and what opportunities and forums exist in their workplace to learn about research findings could increase reach of these initiatives. Ambassadors and champions play an important role in reaching staff too, particularly those involved in delivering frontline care, and so early collaboration with these stakeholders might support further dissemination of research findings in clinical practice (Hardicre, 2014;Yhnell et al, 2019).…”