Getting started in research
Q - How can I get involved with research?
A - You are probably already research active with even knowing it! Being research active means you have an appreciation of how research can benefit patient care and outcome and being active in research can mean everything from engaging in journal clubs, responding to calls to participate in research, attending conferences, implementing research findings into your clinical practice, to be actively involved in research studies.
Please consider signing up for the APCP Research Network ... being part of a network provides an opportunity for gaining support and motivation from your peers. We hope to develop this network over the next 6-12 months together with a mentorship programme to support novice researchers.
You will also find some useful resources and links here. I am also very happy to help members with any specific questions and can be contact at: research@apcp.org.uk
Q - Do I need ethics approval for my research?
A - Obtaining necessary ethical approvals for research is essential, regardless of how large or small the project. However, some studies may not require ethical approval and so the first question you need to ask yourself is: 'Is my study research?". The NHS Health Research Authority (HRA) has produced a decision tool to assist in this process and I suggest you use this to help you decide if you are unsure.
Having determined that you need ethical approval, you may find the CAHPR top ten tips 'Seeking ethical approval' a useful document for guidance relating to planning and conducting your research.
Q - Can APCP assist me to recruit paediatric physiotherapists to participate in my research?
A - Yes. We are very happy to support members and non-members in this way, the only stipulation being that the research is relevant to paediatric physiotherapy and that it has the relevant ethical approvals.
This may include invitations for members to participate in online surveys or focus groups, and requests to assist with participant recruitment by disseminating information to the children, young people and families that they work with.
You can find further information about this on the APCP website.