Research
What is Research?
Research can be defined as 'a structured activity which is intended to provide new knowledge which is generalisable (i.e. of value to others in a similar situation) and intended for wider dissemination' (Department of Health, 2002).
Any research proposal must be agreed with the Director of Cervical Screening Wales prior to commencement. All research projects using any Velindre Trust resources must be registered, reviewed and approved by the Research and Development (R&D) Office (link to intranet site) before commencement.
What is Audit?
Clinical Audit is a quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes through systematic review of care against explicit criteria and the implementation of change.
Aspects of the structure, processes and outcomes of care are selected and systematically evaluated against explicit criteria. Where indicated, changes are implemented at an individual, team, or service level and further monitoring is used to confirm improvement in healthcare delivery.' (Principles for Best Practice in Clinical Audit, NICE, 2002).
It is important that proposed audits are discussed with Dr Anne Hauke or Dr Hilary Fielder prior to commencement. Copies of audits undertaken should be forwarded to Dr Anne Hauke or Dr Hilary for inclusion in the Trust’s annual Research and Development log of activity.
What if I wish to carry out research relating to Screening Service issues in the Trust at which I am employed but I am NOT directly employed by Velindre NHS Trust?
Where a principal investigator is employed by a different NHS Trust, that Trust (host Trust) must ensure compliance with research governance including evidence of submission to the host Trust R&D committee. However, prior to registering your project with the host Trust R&D Office it is essential to contact Dr Anne Hauke or Dr Hilary Fielder to discuss your project.
As part of the long term agreement with Trusts any research on screening patients must be approved with Screening Services prior commencement. Proposed and agreed proposals and protocols, related documentation, ethics approval number etc must be forwarded to Dr Anne Hauke or Dr Hilary Fielder.
Velindre Trust Research/Development and Audit
Report 2006/07 (PDF file 29KB)