Nursing and allied health research
Nursing and allied health research is experiencing a marked upswing in France, thanks to the recognition of nursing and rehabilitation sciences as academic disciplines, as well as the availability of specific funding schemes.
During her talk on 16 May at the Collège de France as part of the ‘L'hôpital du futur’ symposium, Judith Leblanc will present the dynamics of this scientific field, its specific methodological features and its prospects for development. Associate professor and nurse, she holds a PhD in public health - epidemiology as well as a ‘Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches’.
Internationally, the number of scientific journals and publications in these disciplines is increasing. Nursing and allied health research employs a variety of methodological approaches – randomized controlled trials, particularly cluster trials, and mixed-methods studies – suited to the evaluation of complex interventions. However, some studies highlight that the research conducted is still too often observational in nature.
In France, the integration of training into the university system, the creation of Sections 91 and 92 of the ‘Conseil national des universités’, and the Hospital programme for nursing and allied health research (PHRIP) have fostered the development of these fields, with a strengthening of training and research skills among allied health professionals. According to a study conducted by J. Leblanc, projects supported by the PHRIP are mainly interventional, and the number of multicenter studies and their funding are on the rise.
Challenges remain, however, regarding scientific structuring and dissemination. It is necessary to strengthen emerging allied health disciplines and support mechanisms, whilst encouraging multidisciplinary collaborations. Ultimately, the aim is to mainstream the use of evidence to improve care practices.
This presentation will provide an overview of the disciplines, illustrated by examples from nursing science, and will suggest avenues for the development of high-quality nursing and allied health research at national and international levels.