ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out to describe the current context of research in the clinical setting and summarises what has led to an increase in clinically based research. It explores the relationship between research, evidence-based practice, audit and evaluation. The chapter describes the concept of a research-focused clinical culture is developed, and includes the implications of this development for clinicians, their managers and those taking up new consultant therapist roles. Masters level courses have also been accessed by those who have not necessarily achieved degree level qualifications during their initial education and training period, but who had proved that they were academically capable of masters level work by other means. Academic readiness for research in the clinical setting has been emerging as the call for evidence-based practice in healthcare has become louder. Research has been defined as any activity undertaken to increase knowledge’.
