Survey reveals NHS research and innovation priorities

The views of local health stakeholders, including clinical leaders, managers and directors, within each AHSN (Academic Health Science Network) region were collected through qualitative interviews with 61 people and a questionnaire which received more than 250 responses in total.

The report, which can be accessed here, outlines the national findings from the survey with local health and social care stakeholders. It includes a detailed analysis of the innovation and research needs at local level across all AHSNs. 

Whilst there were some differences in regional priorities, common themes emerged which reflected wider challenges facing the NHS and align with the priorities of the NHS Long Term Plan. These include:

• a need for innovation and research to address workforce challenges
• delivery of mental health services and providing care for patients with mental health needs, particularly for children and young people
• integrating services to provide effective care for patients with complex needs – including multimorbidity and frailty
• use of digital and artificial intelligence technology

Professor Gary Ford, Chief Executive of Oxford AHSN, led the AHSNs input into the survey. He said: “The survey provides important information on the research and innovation needs of the NHS which will shape future work of AHSNs and the research community”.

The survey was commissioned by the AHSN Network, in partnership with NHS England and the National Institute for Health Research, to support the publication of a statement of local NHS research and innovation needs for each AHSN region – as one of the actions in the NHS England and NIHR joint paper on ‘12 actions to support research in the NHS.’ 

East Midlands local report 

Diverging from the national findings, community care such as social prescribing and patient self-management was a high priority for East Midlands AHSN stakeholders.

Further regional discussions will now take place, involving patients, the wider public and the research community, to refine the priorities identified. 

This consultation will lead to each AHSN region publishing a final statement of local innovation and research needs. You can access a draft of the East Midlands local statement here.

Karen Glover Director of Partner Relations and Operations for CLAHRC EM and Head of Clinical Programmes for the EMAHSN said “the local report highlights some interesting trends and provides a great opportunity to focus on local research and innovation priorities that have been identified, working at a local and regional level with our stakeholders.” 

The survey was conducted by ComRes, an independent research agency.