NHS Royal Devon | Improving care pathways for functional neurological disorder

Lisa Roberts, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Lisa joined the Royal Devon Chief Nurse Research Fellow programme in 2023. Here, she reflects on her experience, her research interests, and her next steps.

What inspired you to apply for the opportunity?

I had developed a strong clinical interest in developing skills and services for patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and undertaken a lot of work progressing this agenda within our Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) team. I was looking for an opportunity to explore this further. I also was looking to develop my career, but was not interested in a purely managerial role.

Can you tell us a bit about your research area?

FND is a complex but relatively common neurological condition which has long been stigmatised and neglected within research and NHS services. Over the last 10 years there has been a momentum change as patient advocacy groups and interested clinicians have made huge progress in beginning to address these inequalities.

Locally there has been a collaboration between the Royal Devon, Devon Partnership Trust and Health and Social Care to advocate for service improvement and a clinical pathway has been developed.

This was disseminated through publication. There has been a program of work within the SLT team to develop the skills to be able to provide services within this pathway.

What surprised you most during the programme?

The extent of world leading research and research expertise within our trust. The highly supportive and inspirational leadership on the course.

What support did you receive from the programme?

Excellent mentorship for my project from an early career researcher. I was also able to access support as required from very senior and experienced researchers locally. The atmosphere and peer support within the group was outstanding.

What happened next, and what does the future look like for you in terms of research?

I undertook a Pre Application Support Fund the following year. I have submitted an article to disseminate my CNRF project and this is currently under review. I have applied for a Pre Doctoral Award for which I am waiting to hear the outcome.

What would you say to colleagues who are thinking about applying for a similar opportunity?

Do not hesitate to take this opportunity if you have any interest in research. It gives you an excellent overview of research activity within the trust as well as an understanding of regional and wider research networks. It very much demystifies the whole research process, is supportive and accessible and gives you concrete tools and confidence to be able to integrate research more actively into your clinical role and/or to move into a clinical academic career.