FReT launch

The launch began with a welcome to everyone by the FReT lead, Dr Sue Hunter, followed by an overview of the organization of research in the FMHS by Professor Nick Forsyth, FMHS Dean for Research, and an introduction to the FReT including the mission and vision, from Dr Sue Hunter.

Attendees then moved into one of five subgroup breakout rooms, according to their pre-selected area of interest. Each subgroup was led by a member of the SAHP staff whose research linked to that subgroup:

• Prevention and Screening
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Cardiovascular-Respiratory
• Biomechanics/Movement Performance

After welcomes and introductions, and a short showcase presentation to give a flavour of the research currently linked to the subgroup, group leaders facilitated in-depth discussion. Breakout room activity lasted for 40 minutes, then all attendees returned to the main group for feedback from each subgroup, facilitated and chaired by Dr Andrew England (FReT Deputy Lead). Similar themes and needs emerged from the subgroups’ feedback and discussion:

Collaboration and communication opportunities

There was a strong sense of shared purpose and ‘fit’ within the subgroups, with the perception that we are ‘stronger together’

• All subgroups felt that they had lots of ideas and would welcome opportunities for a facilitated discussion about ‘hot potatoes’ to develop projects
• There was an acknowledgement that clinical partners have access to lots of data that could be used to answer some important clinical / service development questions that could be linked to student projects. SAHP have been involved in piloting the UHNM Matchmaker project, and this could be extended to other Trusts to get some small projects underway that build relationships and partnerships for further projects
• In addition, regular scheduled ‘coffee morning’ chats for subgroups were recognized as opportunities to keep the informal discussion going and to build networking within the subgroups

Knowledge, training and confidence building

• Journal clubs for subgroups were proposed as well as Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) groups, to keep subgroups up to date on relevant literature and evidence
• Members would welcome a regular seminar series for the FReT
• Support and training from the FMHS Methodology Hub would be welcomed and invaluable particularly for early career researchers and for the development of grant applications
• Many FReT members are early career researchers or clinicians who are not currently active in research, and there is a need to ensure that those who need it are given appropriate supervision and mentorship from within the FReT

Stakeholder engagement

• Further development of a PPIE group was considered to be important – the Neurorehabilitation group already have a PPIE group but volunteers should be sought to represent other subgroups

Research priorities and strategy

• Priorities identified by professional bodies and the James Lind Alliance should be considered and the subgroup/FReT strategy should reflect these

Website and communications

• A website for the FReT is needed urgently to signpost members to resources and activities for the FReT and for subgroups, and to other relevant resources of interest to members that are available at Keele.

An action plan was agreed at the end of the FReT launch to keep the momentum and discussion moving forwards. This included initially prioritising:

• Setting up ‘coffee discussions’ for subgroup members to continue their discussion about how to work together to formulate research questions based on clinical problems that have the potential for impact and to identify common topics of interest
• To identify seminars and training opportunities for all members
• To get the website and communications working so that members can keep in touch. We have a list of members email addresses of those who attended the launch and members will be contacted in that way in the New Year.