Allied Health Professions in Research: The Forgotten Workforce

Purpose: To understand the experience, involvement, and perceived importance of research among allied health professions and identify how robust research culture might be established in secondary care. Method: Analyses were carried out on quantitative and qualitative data using an online questionnaire disseminated to allied health professionals working in a national health service trust in the north of England. Logistic regression was used to ascertain whether Agenda for Change banding and profession significantly influenced research qualifications, experience, and interest. Qualitative data was analysed within a theoretical framework that focused on, career development, job satisfaction and clinical practice. Results: Educational attainment, research experience and interest were significantly greater among allied health professionals in higher Agenda for Change bands. Conclusions: Involvement in research provides allied health professionals opportunities for career development, job satisfaction and meaningful clinical impact. National Health Service Trusts should provide infrastructure to support research activity in recognition of their skills and potential to increase research capacity for the benefit of patients.