D-BARN
Are you an AHP, nurse or midwife? Fancy getting involved in research?
Then the Derby & Burton AHP/Nurses/Midwives Research Network is for you.
What is D-BARN, and who makes up D-BARN?
Chaired by Dr Ben Smith (AHP/HCS Clinical Academic Lead — pictured), D-BARN is the Derby & Burton AHP/Nurses/Midwives Research Network.
The main aim of D-BARN is to provide a peer-support environment to promote engagement of AHP, nurse and midwife research across UHDB. Its objectives (in line with NIHR Clinical Research Network objectives) are to:
- increase the visibility of AHPs, nurses and midwives as leaders across all research settings
- strengthen AHP, nurse and midwife-led research capacity and capability
- support AHPs, nurses and midwives to deliver research that is relevant to patients and the public
- support AHPs, nurses and midwives to embrace innovation in their research roles
- build strong AHP, nurse and midwife partnerships that deliver visible research impact
We plan to do this by learning, sharing and collaborating with advice and support.
Research within these fields is extremely important — it contributes to discovering new treatments, therapies and approaches to care, and making sure that clinical care and practice are evidence-based.
Why it's important to have this network?
If you are an AHP, nurse or midwife and are interested in getting involved in research – please get in contact.
D-BARN meets physically to discuss plans and strategy every 6-months.
We provide peer-support and signposting via email mailing list as and when needed on topics such as:
- CV building
- NIHR ICA pathway
- fellowships/grants
- library resources
- academic writing
- audits or service improvement projects
- conference abstract
- introduction to research/research methods
- journal clubs
- leading your own research
Conferences
D-BARN organised the first research conference for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in December 2024, with planning for the second conference in progress.
Save the date: Thursday 14 May 2026
Are you a nurse or midwife with an interest in research delivery and clinical research nurse or midwife roles?
Please contact: Michael Agyemang, Clinical Trials Nurse Manager at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, to explore how you can get involved.
Email: michael.agyemang1@nhs.net
Phone: 07384 457883
D-BARN contact details
Please get in touch if you’d like to be added to our mailing list. Email: uhdb.d-barn@nhs.net
You can find out how D-BARN are making an impact at UHDB, by going to the ‘Files’ section below and reading some of the great case studies about the effect D-BARN’s research has had on patients’ outcomes.