Research
Research/Development and Audit
Screening Services is committed to providing high quality research and development. All activity using any Public Health Wales Resources, must be registered, reviewed and approved by the Screening Services Core Research Group (chair – Dr. Anne Hauke) before commencement . Any research proposal must be agreed with Screening Services prior to commencement following the guidance below.
What is Research?
Research aims to derive generalisable new knowledge. It can be defined as 'a structured activity which is intended to provide new knowledge which is generalisable (i.e. of value to others in a similar situation) and intended for wider dissemination' (Department of Health, 2002). Research is to find out what you should be doing.
What is Development?
Development is the testing and evaluation of new ways of doing things, focussing on how well innovations actually work in practice.
What is Audit?
Audit aims to measure standards of care. Audit finds out if you are doing planned activity and assess whether it is working. Clinical Audit is a quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes through systematic review of care against explicit criteria and the implementation of change. Aspects of the structure, processes and outcomes of care are selected and systematically evaluated against explicit criteria. Where indicated, changes are implemented at an individual, team, or service level and further monitoring is used to confirm improvement in healthcare delivery.' (Principles for Best Practice in Clinical Audit, NICE, 2002)
New Projects
I have an idea for a research project - What process should I follow?
Currently the Screening Services R&D process is under review as it needs to be in line with Public Health Wales policy for R&D. Until this process is finalised please ensure ALL new projects are forward to anne.hauke@wales.nhs.uk marked as R&D REQUEST – to enable you to obtain the process documents and forms you need to complete.
If the idea is approved, the PI must send an updated full protocol and supporting documents (don’t forget costings) – which will be sent to the Programme Lead to designate peer review. If project viable, it will need “sign off” by Director, Programme Lead and Finance. If signed off and has Screening Services support - then needs to be registered onto NIHSCR via IRAS form at www.myresearchproject.org.uk and follow instructions. NISCHR will distribute as appropriate. Please note – this process is under review but is active for now.
Please do not hesitate to contact Dr Anne Hauke or Lynne Porter (lynne.porter2@wales.nhs.uk) who is providing secretarial support, if you require further information.
Does this process apply to all divisions within Screening Services?
Yes
What if I need data for my audit?
You will need to follow the “Release of Information Policy” and complete a request form. This process is being reviewed but is in place for now. Please note: send your request to Helen Beer, Senior Information Manager & Research Specialist for Screening Division, Public Health Wales.