Research Support

The Trust’s Research and Evidence team run two research clinics each month via Microsoft Teams. Appointments are available to anyone wanting to conduct a research project or service evaluation in the Trust. We provide advice on a range of topics such as sponsorship, research compliance, trust logistics, and guidance on applications. Furthermore, we can arrange for colleagues from other departments to also provide advice. For example, the Population Health Unit has expertise in statistics, machine learning, and analysing routinely collected outcomes as part of research and service evaluation. Similarly, the Library and Knowledge Services can advise on literature searches and access to articles.

There are two 30 minute sessions available per clinic. Booking is essential. To book your free 30 minute slot, please contact research@nottshc.nhs.uk. Please give your preferred date and an indication of what it is you would like to discuss at the meeting. This allows us to provide the most appropriate type of support.

Teams allows us to be flexible, so please get in touch if these times/dates are not convenient and we will arrange another time for you.

Research clinics are on a Wednesday and start at 10:00am or 10:45am.

Dates for 2024:

• November: 20 & 27
• December: 4 & 18

Dates for 2025:

• January: 15 & 29
• February: 12 & 26
• March: 12 & 26
• April: 9 & 23
• May: 7 & 21
• June: 11 & 25
• July: 9 & 23
• August: 20 & 27
• September: 3 & 17
• October: 8 & 22
• November: 12 & 26
• December: 3 & 17

Software

Quantitative analysis: The Trust does not support the use of SPSS and so alternatives should be explored.  

• R - is a comprehensive statistical package and is free to use. It has quite a steep learning curve and requires some coding knowledge. IT will be able to install R (and RStudio), and the Trust can provide some introductory training. Zoë Turner, former Trust member and now Senior Data Scientist at the Midlands Decision Support Network has created a website showing some introductory workshop slides. Information on NHS-R Community, their training events and the NHS-R YouTube channel featuring training videos can be found in the links.
• PSPP - is a free alternative to SPSS. It is menu driven, like SPSS, but is more limited in its functions. PSPP is available to install via the Software Center in the IT Support folder within NottsHC Shortcuts.
• Jamovi - is also free. It is menu driven and can also provide the R code. A tutorial is available on YouTube. Jamovi is available to install via the Software Center in the IT Support folder within NottsHC Shortcuts.
• Excel - a ‘Data Analysis’ addon is available within the data tab which can be used to do some basic analyses such as t-tests.