Dr Katie Robinson

When I finished my undergraduate physiotherapy degree I vowed never to use SPSS (the statistical software) ever again! 

However, as a newly qualified physiotherapist I began to realise that I had many unanswered questions. I was frustrated that many of the research papers I read excluded the patient groups I was seeing, and often, I couldn’t see how to apply the evidence of the research I was reading to a real life situation. 

I dipped my toe in the research world during my first physiotherapy job, working with a private company to pilot a vibration therapy intervention for young adults with complex physical disabilities. I absolutely loved being part of the project and found I was challenging and developing my problem solving skills. 

This was when I caught the research bug and, as they say, the rest is history. I undertook a National Institute of Health Research funded Masters in Research Methods which was a great grounding for understanding research across healthcare. Since then I have worked on a range of therapy focused research projects and completed a PhD in exercise for older people in 2017,  funded by CLAHRC East Midlands. More recently I have been involved in developing the evidence base for falls management for care home residents who experience frequent falls, often with devastating impact. Working alongside care home staff, residents, families, clinicians and academics, we are currently developing a nationally accessible set of free resources to support care home staff in the management of falls. 

I strive to make sure the research I am involved with matters to older people and their families and that it can have real world clinical impact. 

Although it was initially daunting, getting more involved in research has opened up so many opportunities. I am currently the Research Officer for AGILE (Physiotherapists working with Older People), which has opened opportunities to develop my own profession and gain a wider perspective.  Getting more involved in research is definitely not an easier option but I have had excellent support from clinical academic mentors and the opportunity to meet and learn from international experts in the care of older people.  In my experience there are many people willing to support one's research journey if one is willing to put in the hard work. 

Funding rejections are part of the life of a researcher and securing funding requires resilience and perseverance. I have successfully gained funding through a variety of sources; national schemes such as Research for Patient Benefit, local charitable funding and local clinical commissioning groups. I have however had as many unsuccessful applications! 

The importance of developing the capacity and capability in allied health professions has been recognised by the National Institute of Health Research and there are now established pathways to support clinical academic careers. Many people like me follow a non-linear route which may be just as rewarding and offer as many opportunities for development along the way.  I have recently taken up an exciting new role as the Clinical Academic Allied Health Professional Lead at Nottingham University Hospitals which will raise the profile of AHP research in a large acute trust. Allied health professionals need to develop evidence that is meaningful to our professions and the older people we work with, and we are the best people to do this! 

Katie Robinson
Clinical Academic Allied Health Professional Lead
Nottingham University Hospitals