Professionals in-place: the role of the practice-based research coordinator

Background: The authors were members of a large, interorganisational research project conducted by a university and an English NHS trust. The project’s success relied on building positive partnerships and networks over three years. Recognising the challenges of working across different organisations, the authors created a new role for a nurse: the ‘in-place research coordinator’ (IPRC).

Aim: To introduce and explain the new role and provide examples of how the authors devised and applied it during their research.

Discussion: The IPRC was a member of the NHS trust, so brought valuable organisational insights to the research team while gaining research experience through applying her professional knowledge and connections.

Conclusion: The IPRC enabled this inter-organisational research to take place, and had measurable efficacy and impact.

Implications for practice: The authors recommend that future collaborative interorganisational research projects include an IPRC, with specific budgeting for the role and recruitment from practice.