# Demonstrating impact of allied health professional participation in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme

## TL;DR

This study shows how a research training scheme benefits allied health professionals, with impacts at individual and organizational levels but limited broader societal effects.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the impact of the NIHR Associate PI scheme on allied health professionals, highlighting multi-level benefits and suggesting improvements to the current framework.

## Key findings

- High-level impact was observed at the individual level, including personal growth and professional pride.
- Medium to high impact was found at the organizational level, such as leadership in research and increased professional recognition.
- Macro-level societal impact was limited, suggesting the need for expanded evaluation methods.

## Abstract

Research impact is defined as an effect, change or benefit to the wider society or services beyond academia. Measuring impact demonstrates benefit and value for money of publicly-funded research. This study evaluates differing levels of impact associated with completion of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Associate Principal Investigator (PI) scheme on SIP SMART2 (Swallowing Intervention Package - Self Monitoring, Assessment & Rehabilitation Training 2); cluster-randomised multi-centre phase II trial with a focus on Prehabilitation of swallowing in head and neck cancer.

Data was acquired using two qualitative methods: Reflective virtual discussion group and documentary evidence based on the individual portfolios/checklists of eight accredited Associate PIs. Framework analysis and the evidence of impact model was employed for analysis.

High level impact was identified on the micro level, with evidence of individual learning and sense of pride in becoming an accredited Associate PI. Medium to high level impact was found at the meso level including taking a leading role in research delivery within own organisations and raising professional profiles amongst the wider team. There were limited examples directly demonstrating macro level impact.

The Associate PI scheme provides opportunities for professional groups that otherwise might not be involved in clinical trials, promoting equality and inclusiveness with benefits across multiple levels of impact. The current checklist of activities is designed to demonstrate competence in clinical trial delivery and may not currently capture the wider benefits and impact of the scheme. These could be better captured with some additions to the checklist including follow-up on potential impacts accrued beyond the 6-month timefame.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-025-12584-1.