The Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) is a UK-wide voluntary organisation, supported by 14 AHP organisations, enabling the professions to speak with one voice on research issues.
CAHPR delivers activities to build research capacity and capability at local and national levels for all allied health professionals (AHPs) and is committed to raising the profile and impact of AHP research. CAHPR provides excellent opportunities for learning, sharing, networking, collaborations and access to advice and support, to strengthen skills and confidence for all AHPs to undertake research activities and to translate research findings into practice and education.
Listen to this short video message from Physiotherapist Professor Kate Grafton, Head of School for Health and Social Care at University of Lincoln. Kate is one of the Vice Chairs on the national Strategy Board of CAHPR and has provided this brief introduction to the role of CAHPR and how the regional Hub networks can help to support AHPs to apply for these new NIHR research streams.
CAHPR resources are produced by subject experts from within CAHPR Hubs and committees to support researchers and research capacity. These resources include:
· “Ten Top Tips” – series of 18 downloadable pdf advice sheets.
· “Navigating Doctoral Studies” – series of 6 downloadable pdf advice sheets.
· “Research Practitioner Framework” – tool to support AHP practitioners, managers, educators and leaders to review and plan practitioner roles, activity and support systems within a range of practice settings.
· Funding sources – direct links to a wide range of organisations that provide research funding from small to large scale projects.
· Advice for managers and commissioners of AHP teams and services.
· Links to other directly related support initiatives and communities for AHPs, including AHP 2 Minute Talks (a Twitter-based forum to try and make research more useful for practitioners) and Students for Best Evidence (a network for students interested in evidence-based health care).
All CAHPR resources are FREE to access and download HERE.
CAHPR collaborates with a number of partner organisations with the clear purpose of enabling research activity and strengthening the profile of AHP research. CAHPR was also a key partner in the co-production process for the Allied Health Professions’ Research and Innovation Strategy for England.
The structure of CAHPR comprises a national Strategy Board, a Professoriate and a UK-wide Regional Hub network. All AHPs are welcome to contact your regional CAHPR Hub lead/s who can help to facilitate helpful new introductions, especially for practitioners who are very new to research environment and processes. Communities of Practice can provide essential opportunities for networking and gaining vital advice and support from colleagues with directly relevant experience – and CAHPR Hubs also offer the benefits of cross-disciplinary support and mentorship too. Locate your regional CAHPR Hub HERE.
Early in 2024 CAHPR will be announcing some exciting new developments, including re-branding as the Community of Allied Health Professions Research, to emphasise that their support networks are inclusive for everyone, not a closed membership group. Read all the latest CAHPR news, including dates for upcoming webinars and on-site events HERE.
