In the latest of our 60 second interview series, we spoke with Samuel Agyapong, Clinical Research Nurse at the NIHR Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF).
Samuel is also one of seven Chief Nurse Fellows at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
The Chief Nurse Fellowships (CNF) are designed to boost nursing careers in quality improvement (QI) and research, and to increase diversity in nursing roles.
The programme is designed around individual nurses’ ambitions and aspirations, and includes mentorship, coaching, formal training and experiential learning.
Samuel discusses his career as a nurse in both Ghana and the UK and shares how he became interested in working in research.
How has your education pathway led you into your current role?
Starting off in nursing school in Ghana, I learned essential clinical skills and patient care knowledge that form the foundation for all aspects of nursing practice. My education also introduced me to the basics of research, highlighting its relevance and how it intertwines with daily patient care, sparking my interest in evidence-based practice and its impact on nursing.
Transitioning into research nursing enabled me to apply this clinical expertise to manage trials, monitor participants, and ensure protocol compliance, while my postgraduate studies in clinical research delivery have provided me with advanced skills aligned with the NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework.
This unique blend of clinical and research education has been pivotal in my progression as a research nurse, enabling me to bridge practice and research, deepen my understanding of research design and leadership and contribute to evidence-based healthcare improvements.
When did you start working in research?
I began working in research shortly after completing my first degree in 2019, starting with a freelance role where I assisted individuals in designing questionnaires, collecting data and writing research proposals for non-experimental studies. However, the point at which I combined research with the nursing profession was when I joined the OH CRF in February 2023. This role allowed me to integrate my clinical nursing expertise with research, marking a significant step in my career as a research nurse.
When did you become interested in research?
My interest in research began during my undergraduate nursing studies, where I gained foundational knowledge in research methods and evidence-based practice, which became particularly relevant while working in Ghana’s healthcare system, where I witnessed a need for research to address gaps in care. This passion led me to pursue additional training in clinical research, including data analysis and ethical recruitment, while working as a nurse in both Ghana and the UK.
Now, as part of OH CRF, I am dedicated to advancing healthcare through research, combining my clinical expertise with research skills to improve patient outcomes and contribute to evidence-based practice.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on a study looking at how we could improve the participation of people from the global majority in clinical trials. Additionally, I am in the early stages of starting a project aimed at improving research awareness among Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHP’s) within the Trust.
What would you say to others about a career in research?
Research offers a higher purpose because it enables you to contribute to advancements that improve healthcare outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
The field of health research is vast and offers diverse opportunities, whether you are interested in designing and leading your own studies or focusing on the delivery and implementation of research, ensuring there is a pathway that aligns with your goals and interests.
While research may seem daunting, it becomes manageable and rewarding when approached systematically, as this ensures the generation of robust, reliable evidence that builds on and strengthens existing knowledge, ultimately driving progress in healthcare.
What are you plans for the future?
I want to become a nurse researcher and clinical academic who contributes to the growing body of knowledge in healthcare and nursing globally.