Page 22 - QARANC Vol 14 No 8 2014

20 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Audit and research study day: from theory to practice
Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit Northallerton (MDHU (N)) held an Audit and Research Study Day in the Academic Centre, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesborough on the 20 November 2013. This study day was aimed at the Military Nurses and Allied Health Professionals within the Unit, many of whom have little experience in audit and research which deters them from contributing to the programs being conducted by South Tees NHS Foundation Trust. The emphasis of the day was to introduce the concepts of audit and research with some basic revision and practical examples.
As the aim was to integrate with
the Trust in conducting audits, it was
important to have input from the Trust
in the delivery of the day. A senior
member from the Trusts Audit Team provided an overview of the audit process, how the Trust conducts clinical audits and how individuals could contribute. This was followed by some worked examples presented by Unit members.
The afternoon saw a change in focus to the research process with some excellent examples. We were very fortunate to have some outstanding Military speakers, including Colonel Alan Finnegan Defence Professor of Nursing and Major Debra
SSgt George, Cpl Keighley, SSgt Housden and Maj Hazzard
Ritsperis. Some MDHU personnel then presented examples of research methodologies used as part of their academic development. These were short, informative and occasionally amusing canters through their research experience which demonstrated the wealth of experience in Unit.
Many people often feel nervous about undertaking a research or audit project. The terminology can be new and difficult to understand and the process can appear daunting, however, the speakers managed to effectively demystify the process. Qualitative and quantitative research was explained in a fun and valuable manner ensuring that all levels understood these concepts which incorporated explanations of basic research terminology and, systematic review, meta- analysis and survey techniques. Presentations from MDHU staff at all levels demonstrated what can be achieved and how it informed service improvement
The study day was too short to cover all aspects of research and audit so a follow on study day is envisaged, together with Trust endorsed audit training as part of the units training programme. As an initial step in incorporating research and audit into the daily practice of all levels of clinical staff, this study day was a resounding success. It is imperative that we build on this through the utilisation of the links we have forged with the Trust audit department who are proposing follow on study days and notification of on-going audits that our staff can get involved in and formal recognition for it.
Throughout a health professionals training and lifelong learning these principles are taught, but many health professionals often appear reluctant to engage with audit and research. Empowering nurses/AHP’s to start audit/research or to activity participate in larger Trust organised audits/research whilst they are working in a clinical setting, will encourage them to absorb audit and research as part of normal practice. This can then be translated to the operational setting where conducting audits and research is so important in developing innovated practice and benchmarking the high quality care given. The use of audit is a key theme throughout the DOBC workbook, confirming that this is a concept that military nurses must understand if they are to become effective practitioners in the Operational setting. Maj L Hawkins and Capt D Illingworth QARANC
MDHU (N)
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