Understanding research readiness in psychological services: mixed method findings from a cross-sectional survey pilot.

BackgroundHealthcare organisations that have a research culture within their practice (e.g. evidenced based and evidence informed practice) report better outcomes for their service users. There are however reported barriers to embedding research into practice. This includes time, knowledge, motivation, ability, resources, and access to organisational support. Psychological Services within the NHS regularly embed evidence-based practice as part of the care provision for their service users. However, at present little is known of the extent, capacity, and research readiness of those that practice within this sector. AimTo understand capacity, engagement and research readiness within the psychological services team at an NHS trust within the UK. MethodsMixed methods pilot study using cross sectional survey. Collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. 35 people were recruited from a pool of 89 people who attended a psychological services webinar in April 2024. Quantitative data was analysed on a descriptive level; qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings and discussionResults indicate the value in the use of a mixed method survey to assess research readiness and capacity to those within psychological services practice. Overall response rate was good (39%) with a 100% completion rate of all questions. Both the quantitative and qualitative data revealed that participants wish to engage in research but encounter barriers such as capacity and time. Respondents were also unsure on the level or organisational support for research engagement and activity, unsure on the pathways to secure research time (e.g. funding opportunities), and findings also illustrate issues around practitioner confidence in applying research skills. Our findings show the acceptability of assessing research readiness within psychological practice and highlight several areas of need for practitioners to facilitate full research engagement. These findings will now seed a larger more ambitious assessment of research readiness.