Developing research skills for clinical governance: a report of a trust/university provided short course

Despite the fact research is a foundation stone of clinical governance little attention has been focused on the relationship between the two. Describes here a course for radiographers run in partnership between a large acute teaching trust and local university in the north‐east of Scotland which sought to increase awareness of the research /clinical governance interface. The aims of the course were to develop research appraisal skills; develop investigative skills, especially with regard to planning and undertaking a project; and facilitate staff to review systematically their own practice. The course called on the expertise of staff from both health care and education. The course was viewed positively by the participants. Outcomes were seen to relate to three main areas: joint working; staff appraisal of practice and further development of audit. Recommends that in the future the course be offered on a multi‐disciplinary basis.