Creating a positive research culture through a community of practice

In this blog, Dr Victoria Cadman, Senior Lecturer in Operating Department Practice at Sheffield Hallam University and Dr Adele Nightingale, Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, describe how they led efforts within the operating department practitioner (ODP) profession to build a stronger research culture and respond to gaps in research skills by forming a collaborative Community of Practice that supports learning, confidence, and shared research across the profession.

In 2023, the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) was undergoing a significant transition. At the same time, national publications such as the AHP Research and Innovation Strategy were calling for stronger AHP engagement in research and innovation and the ODP workforce report indicated research as a skills gap. Rather than wait for structural changes, we chose to act. We wanted the profession to come together to lead and transform its own research culture. To do this, we identified three strategic points.

• Identification of research priorities for ODP’s through a Delphi Study to shape the future direction of ODP research.
• Evaluating pre-registration teaching provision for ODP students to identify areas of good practice and opportunities to enhance provision to grow research interest and awareness of research as a career pathway.
• Create a movement and celebrate success by establishing a sustainable ODP Research and Innovation Community of Practice (CoP).

Research thrives on shared knowledge, constructive critique, and collective curiosity. A positive research culture empowers people to ask questions, generate ideas, and build confidence.  The CoP co-created by ourselves began simply as “a chat about research.” There was no agenda or formal structure, just a clear purpose: bring ODPs together to talk, learn, and grow. Our aim was to build capability and confidence by creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive research culture.

We focused on giving ODPs opportunities to:

• develop research skills through education and mentorship.
• share ideas and early stage‑ thinking.
• disseminate existing research.
• explore new research questions and collaboration.

A strong sense of belonging is central to a proactive CoP. We fostered openness, encouraged questions, and celebrated diverse experiences. Guest speakers, including NIHR representatives, shared insights on funding, fellowships, and research career pathways. ODPs presented their work, connected with journals as reviewers or editorial board members, and gained access to wider research networks. Although the CoP is built around a single profession, its diversity comes from within. Members include students, lecturers, associate professors, clinical leaders, health informatics specialists, R&D teams, and ODPs working with NHSE and local ICBs. What began as disconnected individuals now forms a rich, interdisciplinary network. This breadth of experience has strengthened our research culture and broadened our impact across healthcare settings through increased visibility of the research work ODPs are involved in.

We are now evaluating the impact of the CoP. A collaborative team of ODP students, HEI colleagues, and clinical ODPs is exploring how the community has influenced the profession and the patients we serve. A CoP is not a one-off initiative, it evolves. Celebrating progress, however small, reinforces value and builds momentum. The CoP has shifted ODP research from isolated efforts to collaborative learning, making research more accessible across the profession.