Research in our practice - a requirement not an option: discussion paper

Research should affect all aspects of our professional lives. Clinical managers should use research evidence to plan and deliver healthcare. Clinical professionals should draw upon research evidence to inform clinical practice and clinical decision-making. University academics and students should use research in a variety of ways—for example it may be taught/learnt as a discipline within a course and/or it might be applied in a [research] project. The use of research-evidence to inform decisions is not limited to healthcare professionals. Increasingly patients are using research-evidence to help decide on their diagnostic and management options; this is in part due to the easy access to healthcare information through the Internet. The concept of an 'expert patient' is emerging; not surprisingly this places additional knowledge and skill demands on healthcare staff. Indeed patients are encouraged and empowered to access such information through a range of Government initiatives