COVID-19 Research in the UK: Improving Quality of Care in Health Settings

A recent study has shed light on the current research interest, culture, and capacity among NHS staff in Scotland, revealing key drivers and facilitators for improving the quality of care in health settings. The research concluded that addressing structural and professional differences, providing protected time, and increasing visibility of research can significantly enhance research capacity and attitude towards research within the NHS.

Key Takeaways:

• Research interest, culture, and capacity among NHS staff in Scotland have declined during the pandemic, but respondents expressed an increased awareness of the importance of research in improving health outcomes.
• Four key themes emerged from the study: the influence of structural and professional differences, the need for protected time, access to resources, and increased visibility of research.
• Respondents identified similar facilitators and barriers to undertaking research, irrespective of their role or experience with research.
• Research activity declined during the pandemic, but respondents expressed more accepting views to undertaking research, particularly those with research embedded as part of their training and professional role.
• The study found that small to medium-sized Health Boards in the UK and elsewhere may benefit from addressing the four broad themes identified to increase their research profile.

Statistics:

• 503 NHS staff participated in a questionnaire about their research interest, culture, and capacity.
• 28 staff were recruited for semi-structured interviews to explore their perception of the research culture and capacity at an organisational, team, and individual level.
• The study found that 7 nurses/midwives, 6 doctors/dentists, 3 allied health professionals, 3 other therapeutic staff, and 9 admin/support staff participated in the research.
• The research concluded that addressing the four key themes could increase research capacity in line with Government aspirations.

Sources:

• Exploring the research interest, capacity and culture of NHS staff in South-East Scotland and changes in attitudes to research following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a qualitative study (BMC Health Services Research, 2025;25(1):1102)
• NewsRx. Researchers from Queen Margaret Hospital Discuss Findings in COVID-19 (Exploring the research interest, capacity and culture of NHS staff in South-East Scotland and changes in attitudes to research following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a ...). Virus Weekly. September 2, 2025; p 77.