Welcome to the Royal Devon Research Academy
The Royal Devon Research Academy (RDRA) provides support to nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and pharmacists to use research findings and to develop clinical questions which will help improve the health of our population.
Research‑active organisations have better health outcomes. By working with universities, regional networks, and collaborators, we embed research into everyday health and care, ensuring patients benefit from innovation, staff develop rewarding careers, and services continue to improve.
Here, Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer for the Royal Devon, shares more about the initiative.
What we do
If you need ideas on how to incorporate research in your day to day practice, are already research‑engaged, supporting research delivery or developing as a research leader, the academy provides a clear front door to guidance, training, funding opportunities, and connections.
Who supports us
The work of the RDRA is supported by an oversight group chaired by Carolyn Mills the Chief Nursing Officer, the group also has staff representatives from across the Trust including ward staff, advanced and consultant practitioners and the R&D department. We welcome any suggestions about our website or how we can better help you, please get in touch.
Our health research strategy
Whilst there is a well-developed framework for medical colleagues to have a clinical academic career, professions outside of medicine are nationally recognised as being underserved in relation to support for them to effectively engage with research as part of their roles due to lack of training and opportunity.
The Royal Devon launched a Nursing Midwifery, AHP and Health Care Scientist (NMAHPHCS) research strategy in 2020.
This incorporated the DHSC Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers and AHP research strategies and included a six-year implementation plan. Strategy initiatives are designed to support all of these professionals to consider research in its widest sense and to embed research in everyday care.
This useful graphic outlines the key areas of the strategy. Click the picture below to view.
Get in contact
If you would like further help and advice, please email us via rduh.researchacademy@nhs.net