Authors: A1.Lia McNamee (1), A2.Laura Cushley (2), A3.Jonathan Jackson (1)

Affiliations: (1) Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN), Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The Royal Hospitals, Grosvenor Road, BELFAST BT12 6BA. (2) Queens University Belfast. Institute of Clinical Science A, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA

Background/ Introduction: Non-medical and non-nursing healthcare professionals (HCPs) form a substantial and diverse part of the Belfast Trust workforce, yet limited evidence exists on their involvement in research or the factors shaping participation. Understanding their experiences, barriers, and support needs is essential for strengthening research capacity and creating inclusive development pathways. This study explored the research views, experiences, and organisational needs of non-medical/nursing HCPs across the Trust.

Material & Methods: A digitally administered, 13 item SurveyMonkey questionnaire was circulated to senior representatives across 73 non-medical/nursing professional groups, who disseminated it within their teams. Data was collected on profession, research experience, involvement, and interest in future research, with descriptive analysis performed. Survey respondents were invited to follow up focus groups. Four groups were conducted with 18 participants, each lasting 1–2 hours. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s inductive thematic approach. Additionally, 5 semi structured interviews were completed with senior departmental leads to explore organisational culture, expectations, and structural challenges.

Results: Responses were received from 181 non-medical/nursing HCPs, approximately 70% of whom were Allied Health Professionals. Nearly 40% held managerial, senior leadership, or consultant level roles. 38% reported the potential for non-clinical time for research activity within current job plans. Survey respondents expressed strong interest in research (around 65%) but focus group participants highlighted key barriers including limited protected time, unclear pathways, insufficient training/funding opportunities and a perception that research remains predominantly medically led. Enablers included supportive leadership, mentorship, access to training, and positive departmental culture. Senior leads highlighted workload pressures, variable research culture across services, and the need for clearer structures and support.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates considerable untapped research potential within the HCP workforce. These data driven insights highlight priority areas for organisational action. Enhancing access to training, protected time, funding, mentorship, and defined research pathways may strengthen research capability and support a more inclusive, embedded research culture across the Trust.